Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 37: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure the implementation of the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste which aims to divert 80 per cent of biodegradable waste from landfill through segregated collection of biodegradable waste and the generation of compost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15969/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Meeting the requirements of the Landfill Directive is a key national priority in respect of waste management and I am committed to implementing the measures necessary to ensure that Ireland meets the 2010, and subsequent, EU landfill diversion targets. Data from the National Waste Report 2008, published by the EPA, show that the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste disposed of to landfill decreased by 19% in 2008 to approximately 1.2 million tonnes, which means that Ireland must divert a further 280,000 tonnes in order to meet the first Landfill Directive target due in July 2010.

In December 2009 I signed the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009, which are designed to promote the segregation and beneficial use of food waste arising in the commercial sector. Also in December 2009, I increased the landfill levy by the currently permitted annual maximum of €5 per tonne to €25 per tonne and I increased it further to €30 per tonne from 1 February 2010.

On 30 March 2010, I launched a consultation on elements of a draft Bill which has been approved by Government for the application of levies to landfills and incinerators. The levies will be designed to ensure material which can be recycled and add value is not drawn to large scale residual waste treatment facilities.

In the coming weeks I will be launching a consultation document which will set out the various elements being considered as part of the development of a new national waste management policy. I will prioritise engagement on specific issues in the document including the management of biodegradable waste through the rollout of brown bins and home composting.

I am confident that all of the above measures will contribute significantly to the achievement of the targets for the diversion of waste from landfill and a reduction in our overall use of such facilities.