Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his objectives for mechanical biological waste treatment as part of a national waste strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8193/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The EU landfill directive sets challenging targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste. It requires the attainment of specific diversion rates projected to equate to 59% for 2010, 73% by 2013 and 80% by 2016 for this waste stream. The recent National Waste Report for 2006, published in January 2008, by the EPA presents the scale of the challenge in sharp focus. While the recovery rate for this waste stream increased to 38% from 35% in 2005, the quantity of this waste going to landfill rose by 15%.

A national strategy on biodegradable waste was published in 2006 and sets out a range of measures aimed at progressing the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill. The programme for Government is clearly committed to the effective implementation of the strategy.

I have already placed on the record my position that over reliance on incineration is not the answer. In line with the commitment given in the programme, a major review of waste policy will be commencing shortly. The review will examine the potential role of mechanical and biological treatment and other technologies.

In addition, my Department will be driving the roll-out by local authorities of segregated brown bin collections for biodegradable material. This will make a significant contribution to the diversion of household waste from landfill, as we have already seen in places like Waterford.

It is clear from the National Waste Report that landfill has become more attractive as landfill gate fees have fallen and I recently announced my intention to increase the landfill levy to encourage recycling. I will shortly be making an order and amended regulations to give effect to that increase.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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In the interest of hearing answers to more questions and because we have covered these matters in an earlier question I will not ask a supplementary question.