Written answers

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Waste Management

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to deliver the programme for Government commitment in relation to a national strategy on biodegradable waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10149/09]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Ireland must meet challenging targets under the EU Landfill Directive for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.

Following extensive consultation, the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and is aimed at diverting 80% of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill through segregated collection and the generation of compost. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implementation of the National Strategy.

I have indicated my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow significant increases in the landfill levy. My Department, in addition, has initiated a stakeholder consultation on a Statutory Instrument for the segregation of commercial biodegradable waste.

Last year, I issued a circular to all local authorities to drive forward the roll out of brown bins and promote the use of home composting and the National Waste Report 2007 indicates increased quantities are being dealt with by home composting. I am confident that all of the above measures will contribute significantly to the achievement of the targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill and a reduction in our overall use of landfill.

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