Written answers

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Waste Disposal

8:00 pm

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the capacity that exists for waste disposal via mechanical biological treatment; the share of waste disposal MBT has compared to other disposal methods; the actions he has taken to date to increase MBT capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10272/09]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Waste management data are compiled by the EPA and published in the National Waste Report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. In its Report for the year 2006, the Agency noted that the term mechanical biological treatment (MBT) is used to describe not one specific process, but rather a combination of different technologies, and that it was not possible to estimate from the available data how much waste was treated mechanically.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to the implementation of the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste and the achievement of Ireland's obligations under the EU Landfill Directive. In achieving this, I believe there should be less reliance on landfill and incineration and greater use of alternative technologies, including those for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste.

It is my intention to bring forward legislation significantly to increase the landfill levy to drive the diversion of biodegradable material from landfill and encourage the development of alternative technologies including mechanical and biological treatment of waste.

Consultants are engaged in carrying out a study which will underpin the overall review of waste policy also provided for in the Programme and which will be concluded this year. In this context policy proposals will be developed to facilitate the deployment of the full range of non-landfill technologies.

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