WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Transcription

1 NORTH EAST REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN August 2011 Meath County Council Comhairle Chontae na Mhí Louth County Council Comhairle Chontae Lughaí Cavan County Council Comhairle Chontae an Cabhain Monaghan County Council Comhairle Chontae Mhuineacháin

2 North East Waste Management Plan Review Report 2010 Client DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET Meath County Council Project Title North East Waste Management Plan Document Title Review Report 2010 Document No. MDR0783Rp0001 This Document Comprises DCS TOC Text List of Tables List of Figures 1 No. Appendices of Rev. Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Office of Origin Issue Date A01 For Client Approval E. Roche Larry O Toole PJ Rudden Westpier 10/08/2011 C. Connery Eleanor Roche B. McIntyre Carol Connery K. O Neill D. Ward

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION... I 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... III 2.1 NORTH EAST REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY... III 2.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW IV Key Achievements... v 3 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGET REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS... IX 1 WASTE GENERATION IN THE NORTH EAST REGION PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION RESOURCES HOUSEHOLDS AND SCHOOLS COMMUNITY COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SECTOR LOCAL AUTHORITY HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE AGRICULTURE SECTOR SUMMARY HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY WASTE GENERATION WASTE MANAGEMENT Kerbside Collection Recycling Centres Bring Banks WASTE RECYCLING RATE WASTE CHARGES HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE UNCOLLECTED WASTE COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY GENERATION COLLECTION RECOVERY & RECYCLING MUNICIPAL WASTE ARISINGS AND RECOVERY RATE WASTE COMPOSITION WASTE DISPOSAL EXISTING LANDFILLS MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL WASTE MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE NORTH EAST REGION BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTE MDR0783Rp0001 i A01

4 8.1 CURRENT POSITION BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF FOOD AND GARDEN WASTE Organic and Garden Waste Currently Treated in the North East Region RESIDUAL BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTE (BMW) MUNICIPAL WASTE PROJECTIONS INDUSTRIAL WASTE PACKAGING WASTE SELF COMPLIERS CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) WASTE C&D RECOVERY/ DISPOSAL PRIORITY WASTE STREAMS WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES (ELVS) TYRES STREET SWEEPINGS MINING & QUARRY WASTE ASH HEALTHCARE RISK WASTE CONTAMINATED SOILS AGRICULTURAL WASTE SLUDGE (MUNICIPAL/INDUSTRIAL) ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATION REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION LOCAL AUTHORITY IMPLEMENTATION REGIONAL PROGRESS Local Authority Enforcement Teams Regulation and Enforcement National Enforcement Network and Training Reporting and Data Collection C&D Waste Enforcement ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS GOING FORWARD Staff Dumping & Fly Tipping Un-Authorised Waste Operators KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS HEADLINE AND SERVICE INDICATORS PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION RECYCLING OF MUNICIPAL WASTE RECOVERY OF ENERGY FROM WASTE CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE MDR0783Rp0001 ii A01

5 15.6 PACKAGING WASTE WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC WASTE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE LANDFILL DISPOSAL INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS - OVERVIEW WASTE RECYCLING AND RECOVERY FACILICITIES BRING BANKS WASTE RECYCLING CENTRES AND PERMITTED RECYCLING FACILITIES KERBSIDE AND BIOWASTE COLLECTION MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITIES (MRF S) AND TRANSFER FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE RECYCLING FACILITIES BIOLOGIAL TREATMENT/ORGANIC WASTE GREEN WASTE TREATMENT CAPACITY BIOWASTE TREATMENT CAPACITY OTHER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT CAPACITY ENERGY RECOVERY WASTE DISPOSAL PROPOSED INFASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS RECENT EU WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE RECENT NATIONAL LEGISLATION ENERGY POLICIES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT RECENT NATIONAL POLICY PENDING WASTE POLICY AND LEGISLATION Direction of Waste Policy POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY OBJECTIVES WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING POLICY OBJECTIVES NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS Objectives Targets REVIEW RECOMMENDATION Target Recommendations MDR0783Rp0001 iii A01

6 26 COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ORGANIC WASTE FROM COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS MATERIALS RECOVERY CAPACITY POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS Biodegradable Municipal Waste Organic and Food Waste Treatment Infrastructure REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ENERGY RECOVERY POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS LANDFILL DISPOSAL POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS FORMER WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECOVERY SITES POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS POLICY ON INTER-REGIONAL WASTE MOVEMENT POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION CROSS BORDER POLICY MDR0783Rp0001 iv A01

7 Policy Objectives and Targets National Progress Regional Progress Review Recommendation ILLEGAL WASTE ACTIVITIES POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION POLICY FOR COST RECOVERY POLICY OBJECTIVES NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMENDATION POLICY FOR SITING WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION Bring Banks Recycling and Materials Recovery Facilities Biological Treatment Facilities Waste to Energy (WTE) Facilities Landfills CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION Target Review Recommendations HAZARDOUS WASTE FROM HOUSEHOLDS AND SMALL BUSINESSES POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION Target Review Recommendations WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS WEEE and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) MDR0783Rp0001 v A01

8 Batteries REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION Target Review Recommendations END OF LIFE VEHICLES (ELVS) POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION TYRES POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION PORT RECEPTION FACILITIES FOR SHIP GENERATED WASTE AND CARGO RESIDUES POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION SLUDGE POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS NATIONAL PROGRESS REGIONAL PROGRESS REVIEW RECOMMENDATION GLOSSARY OF TERMS REVIEW REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES APPENDIX A National Waste Prevention and Minimisation Initiatives Appendix B Draft Policy Statement Proposals MDR0783Rp0001 vi A01

9 1 INTRODUCTION RPS was appointed by Meath County Council on the 18th of August 2010 to undertake a review of the North East Waste Management Plan (hereby referred to as the The Waste Plan ). This Review Report is prepared to comply with Section 22(4) of the Waste Management Acts, which states a Local Authority shall review a Waste Plan once in every five year period. The Review Report assesses the current situation with regard to waste generation and management methods progressed in the Region since adoption of the Waste Plan in In doing so it focuses on a range of items categorised into the following four areas: Part I: Data Review: Assesses the latest data for key waste streams, assesses the Region s progress in terms of reporting, recycling, recovery and disposal rates, determines progress towards achieving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets in keeping with the previous Waste Plan, re-assesses waste projections to take account of the most recent economic growth and population projections. Part II: Infrastructural Developments and Treatment Capacity Review: Assesses the waste infrastructural and treatment capacity requirements of the Region, provides an update of built and proposed infrastructure and treatment capacity in the Region and identifies shortfalls in capacity requirements while assessing the future needs of the Region. Part III: Legislative and Policy Review: Assesses EU and National waste legislation and policy developments adopted and proposed since the adoption of the Waste Plan. Part IV: Policy Objectives and Targets Review: Assesses progress made in terms of delivering Regional policy objectives and targets, reports reasons for successful implementation of relevant objectives as well as reasons for incomplete delivery, reviews policy objectives and targets of the Waste Plan in the context of the current waste policy environment, changes to legislation, the introduction of new waste regulations and upcoming policy intention. As required under Section 22(11) of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended, this Review Report has regard to the provisions of: Development plans and any Special Amenity Area Order made under the Act of 1963 Water quality management plans made under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990 Air quality management plans made under the Air Pollution Act 1987 In this regard the following plans are of relevance: Meath County Development Plan Monaghan County Development Plan Cavan County Development Plan Louth County Development Plan The Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area Border Regional Planning Guidelines The County Meath, Biodiversity Action Plan MDR0783Rp0001 i A01

10 River Basin Management Plans for the Shannon, North-Western, Eastern and Neagh-Bann River Basin Districts Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study, Regional Drainage Policies 2005 Louth Local Authorities Noise Action Plan 2008 MDR0783Rp0001 ii A01

11 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1 NORTH EAST REGION WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY In accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended, Meath County Council, Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council and Louth County Council developed the first generation Waste Management Plan for the North East Region in The Policy as outlined by the North East Local Authorities in the Meath Waste Management Strategy (1995/97) and the North East Waste Management Strategy (1999) was given a statutory basis when this first generation Waste Management Plan for the North East Region was adopted in The 2001 Plan assessed a number of waste management scenarios based on factors which are likely to influence future waste management in the Region including the mandatory EU and National targets for recycling. Therefore developing scenarios for the maximum diversion from landfill was a primary objective. Each scenario represented a combination of different recycling targets, the possible introduction of thermal treatment with energy recovery leading to landfill disposal of residues only. A plan for recycling/bulk reduction treatment facilities and the appropriate schemes for waste collection over the planning period were also identified in each scenario. Modelling was undertaken to compare the technical, environmental and financial implications of each scenario and translated into an integrated waste management system, which sets out collection, recycling and recovery/disposal facilities as well as an implementation time-scale over the period It was determined that the development of an integrated waste management system which promotes maximum recycling, recovery and energy from residual waste with minimal landfill disposal is the Best Practicable Environmental Option for the management of waste in the North East Region. In 2004/2005 a review of the first regional plan was undertaken by the four Local Authorities, resulting in a Replacement Plan being adopted in The Waste Plan for the North East Region , sets out the current policy to progress the sustainable management of waste arisings in the Region to In doing so the overall Regional Policy Objectives encompass the priority order of the EU waste management hierarchy; prevention, minimisation, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and minimal disposal. Figure 2.1: EU Waste Hierarchy MDR0783Rp0001 iii A01

12 The overall Regional Policy Objectives for the North East Region as set out in the Waste Plan are as follows: Waste prevention and minimisation will be a priority and there will be increased focus on the schools, community and business sectors to reduce waste arisings. The Region will strive to curb the growth in waste arisings. The Region will deliver an effective system meeting the polluter pays principle that meets high standards of environmental performance and all legislative obligations. The Region will strive to give access to waste management services across the Region, particularly in rural areas. The Region will strive to improve collection coverage and participation for households and businesses, reducing uncollected waste. The Region will continue to improve the infrastructure for recycling and recovery of waste. The Region will maximise positive input of the private sector to help meet Plan objectives. The North East Local Authorities will if necessary and/or appropriate for environmental or other reasons, direct that certain waste streams must be delivered to a certain tier in the waste hierarchy (e.g. reuse, recycling, biological treatment, energy recovery). This will be achieved by means of the Waste Collection Permit system or other appropriate regulatory or enforcement measures. The Waste Plan also presents specific individual waste policy objectives and targets for waste prevention and minimisation, collection, recycling, recovery and disposal. It also contains a timeframe for the delivery of key municipal waste management infrastructure. The aim of implementing these policy objectives is to achieve the ambitious target rates of recycling, recovery and disposal to meet the requirements of current and proposed legislation. Adopted Waste Targets: Recycling 43% Energy Recovery 39% Disposal 18% The above long term overarching targets as adopted by the North East Region were to be implemented over a 15 year period ( ) and continue to be challenging. 2.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW 2010 This review of the Waste Plan has been developed in accordance with the requirements of Section 22(4) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended which requires a Local Authority to review a Waste Plan once in every 5 year period. The Review Report assesses new legislation and policies, waste prevention, waste generation, waste management methods and infrastructural developments progressed in the Region since adoption of the Waste Plan in It also assesses progress made in terms of delivering regional policy objectives and targets and reviews policy objectives and targets in the context of the current waste policy environment, changes to legislation and the introduction of new waste regulations. MDR0783Rp0001 iv A01

13 2.2.1 Key Achievements The following section summarises progress in the North East Region since the Waste Plan was complete (2005) up to and including Following the Review it can be concluded that significant progress has been made in implementing the Waste Plan, however further works are required in specific areas to achieve the overarching targets set for the Region. Waste Prevention Significant developments have been made over the last 5 years in waste prevention and minimization initiatives. The North East Local Authorities have been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) Programme and have developed successful prevention and minimisation initiatives at all sectoral levels. For example, Monaghan County Council was one of fourteen Local Authorities funded and assisted under the EPA s National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) and LAPD Programme to develop waste prevention, minimisation and resource efficiency practices for a number of sectors. Cavan County Council was involved in developing the first Green Fleadh Ceoil na heireann. In addition the Environmental Awareness Officers have progressed waste awareness initiatives to focus on higher order waste management techniques such as prevention, minimisation and resource efficiency measures. Home composting prevented 2,050 tonnes of biodegradable waste from entering the waste collection system in schools were awarded green flags in 2009, representing a 250% increase on the number recorded at the end of The quantity of household waste generated per capita decreased from 0.47 tonnes per capita in 2003 to 0.38 tonnes per capita in Municipal Waste The overall municipal waste arisings increased by 23% from 2003 to However household waste arisings decreased by 6% indicating a decoupling of economic growth and household waste generation. However commercial waste arisings increased by 67% since 2003, indicating a strong correlation between economic growth and commercial waste arisings. The overall municipal waste recycling rate increased from 22% in 2003 to 36% in The recycling rate for household waste increased from 16% in 2003 to 33% in 2009 as a result of improved awareness initiatives, improved kerbside collection systems for dry recyclables, the roll out of an organic kerbside collection service and the provision of additional recycling centres and bring banks. Approximately 82% of occupied households in the Region were provided with a kerbside waste collection service. Approximately 13% (20,797 tonnes) of household waste is recycled through the dry recyclable kerbside collection service and 2% (2,932 tonnes) of organic waste is collected through a 3 bin waste collection service. MDR0783Rp0001 v A01

14 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Municipal Waste Recycling rate Target by 2013 Approximately 41% of commercial waste was recycled in This is largely due to improved reporting, the introduction of bye laws and the introduction of the 2007 and 2008 Waste Collection Permit Regulations which allows Local Authorities to specify that collection companies provide a separate collection system for dry recyclables. Furthermore, 60% of municipal waste was landfilled in the North East Region in Of the municipal waste generated in the North East Region approximately 57% was landfilled. Municipal Waste arisings have increased by 23% since The recovery rate for municipal waste has increased from 22% in 2003 to 36% in % of municipal waste was landfilled in Household waste generation have decreased in line with national trend Household waste recycling increased from 16% in 2003 to 33% in 2009 Commercial waste arisings have increased by 67% since The recovery rate for commercial waste was calculated to be 41% in Over 2,932 tonnes of source separated organic waste was collected though the kerbside organic waste collection system. Over 20,700 tonnes of dry recyclables were collected through the kerbside dry recyclable collection system (135% increase since 2003). The Region has 11 active recycling centres and over 21,123 tonnes of material was collected at these locations (60% increase since 2003). There are 145 bring banks in the Region resulting in the collection of over 6,660 tonnes of material (110% increase since 2003). Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) The total amount of BMW generated in the Region in 2009 is estimated to be 210,858 tonnes. Approximately 126,563 tonnes of BMW generated in the North East Region was landfilled in the Region. A further 100,000 tonnes was imported into the Region and disposed to landfill.. This represents a 51% increase on 2003 quantities. Significant diversion is required to meet the Landfill Diversion targets. The quantity of BMW landfilled at facilities in the Region amounted to 226,389 tonnes (68% increase since 2003). The total amount of BMW generated in the Region in 2009 is estimated to be 210,858 tonnes. MDR0783Rp0001 vi A01

15 Packaging Waste The recovery rate of packaging waste increased from 38% in 2003 to 61% in Packaging waste generation decreased by 19% from 104,034 tonnes in 2003 to 83,876 tonnes in This may be attributable to a better understanding of waste composition and the incorporation of a contamination factor. Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Progress in terms of reducing the quantity of C&D waste for disposal has been largely achieved through the reuse of spoil waste (soil and stones) for engineering works at landfill sites and in land reclamation activities. However, the performance achieved in the prevention of waste and reuse of other C&D waste derived materials during site development works has been limited. In 2009, an estimated 1,520,324 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the Region the vast majority of which was due to the construction of the M3 motorway. Approximately 317,095 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in 2009 if arisings associated with the M3 works are excluded. This represents a 33% reduction in the quantity of C&D waste generated since 2003 and is primarily attributable to the current economic climate and its resultant impact on the construction sector. The recovery rate for soil and stones was 100% in The recovery rate for other C&D waste was 81% in Priority Waste Streams The introduction of legislative developments in recent years has resulted in significant progress in the provision of producer responsibility initiatives, awareness campaigns and recycling and recovery of priority waste streams such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and End of life Vehicles (ELV s). Over 2,400 tonnes of WEEE was collected in This represents 5.9 kg of WEEE per capita. There were 26 Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) operating in the Region in Over 7,430 tonnes of ELVs were collected in the Region in 2009, representing a 30% decrease on 2003 figures. (This decrease may be attributable to more accurate reporting as opposed to estimates based on national data.) TRACS was established in 2008 as a voluntary compliance scheme for operators within the tyre industry. Approximately 885 tonnes of waste tyres were generated in The quantity of agricultural waste generated in 2009 was 538,369 tonnes. This represents a 6% reduction on the quantity generated in MDR0783Rp0001 vii A01

16 Waste Infrastructure There have been significant developments in the provision of waste management infrastructure for the sustainable management of waste generated in the Region. In accordance with the Waste Plan, Material Recovery Facilities (MRF s), transfer stations, green composting facilities, biological treatment facilities and landfills are authorized with sufficient capacity to serve the needs of the Region. Furthermore, the thermal treatment facility in Carranstown is expected to be operational in mid- late However, further developments are required in relation to the provision of bring banks and kerbside organic waste collection services. It should also be noted that while progress has been made in infrastructural developments to serve the needs of the Region, additional waste is being imported into the Region for treatment which also requires consideration. There were 4 licensed MRF s and 10 permitted transfer stations in the Region in There were 145 bring banks and 11 licensed recycling centres/ civic amenities in the Region in There were 2 dedicated green waste composting facilities with a combined capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum serving the Region in There were 4 bio-waste treatment facilities with a combined authorized capacity of 75,800 80,800 tonnes per annum serving the Region in Construction of a 200,000 tonne per annum thermal treatment facility in Duleek Co. Meath is underway. It is expected to start accepting municipal waste in mid There are also a 2 cement kiln facilities authorized to accept SRF material. There were 12 facilities authorized to recycling C&D waste. There are 4 municipal waste landfills in the Region with significant available capacity. There is 1 C&D landfill in the Region. MDR0783Rp0001 viii A01

17 3 POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGET REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS Waste Prevention and Minimisation The waste prevention and minimisation policy objectives specified within the Plan remain relevant and continue to encourage behavioural change within households, businesses, industry as well as public and community areas. However, it is recommended that Local Authorities focus on these policy objectives on a continuous basis going forward in order to further progress waste prevention initiatives. It is also proposed to include further objectives to add weight to reuse initiatives such as freetradeireland.ie, producer responsibility initiatives and the development of end of waste criteria and to support the uptake of tried and tested methods of waste prevention and minimisation measures to further promote waste prevention in the coming years. Household Waste Collection and Recycling While many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, it is proposed to amend some of the existing objectives for continued implementation as well the introduction of new objectives to further enforce and regulate the management of household waste and to take consideration of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 (and associated Regulations) and Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations once implemented. New objectives proposed for the three year term include: Existing and future bring banks should be standardised where appropriate and meet minimum service standards. Existing facilities may be upgraded to accept additional materials. Review all waste collection permits relating to the collection of household waste and specify conditions to ensure compliance with the Household Food Waste Collection Regulations. Ensure a consistent and integrated collection service is provided to householders with all waste collection companies required to provide a complete collection service as conditioned by the Waste Collection Permitting system. As a minimum, separate collection of paper, metal, plastic and glass shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations, In addition, the Region will continue to require use-related charging systems in accordance with Government Policy. Use-related charging acts as an incentive to support waste minimisation and recycling in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle and reduce the volume of waste generated by the householder for disposal. MDR0783Rp0001 ix A01

18 It is also a recommendation of the Review to reduce the household waste generation target from 1.5 tonnes per household to 1.12 tonnes per household based on the Regional performance in recent years. Given the regional municipal waste recycling rate of 36% in 2009, the recycling target of 43% is considered to remain relevant and challenging for However for subsequent years, it is recommended this target be revised upwards with the aim of achieving a recycling rate of 50% by 2020 in line with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations, Commercial Waste Collection and Recycling Further increases in recycling rates of commercial and industrial waste are required within the Region which includes both dry recyclables and organic waste. Many of the objectives of the Plan remain relevant, however a number of amendments to existing objectives are proposed to further enforce and regulate the management of commercial waste and to also take consideration of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations It is proposed to introduce the following objectives in conjunction with those detailed in the Plan. Ensure regulation of waste producers and collection companies to require source segregation of dry recyclables and organic waste. Maintain commercial waste bye-laws to provide for the presentation of commercial/industrial waste in a source segregated manner. The bye-laws should be updated by Local Authorities as required and include fines where appropriate for non compliances. Bye-laws should take consideration of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations. Waste collection permits will continue to require waste collectors to provide separate collection of dry recyclables to its customers, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant bye-laws. Organic Waste from Commerce and Industry It is proposed to introduce a number of new policy objectives to implement, enforce and regulate the management of organic waste from commerce and industry in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations Such objectives include; The promotion of food waste prevention through initiatives such as StopFoodWaste.ie, Green Business and Green Hospitality Awards. Promote an awareness campaign for businesses working with relevant stakeholders to inform businesses of their obligations under the relevant food waste regulations and promotion through initiatives such as foodwaste.ie. Enforce the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations Support the development of adequate infrastructure to treat the organic waste diverted from landfill. Promote the management of food waste in accordance with the requirements of Food Waste Regulations and ensure separation of food waste from other waste MDR0783Rp0001 x A01

19 Biological Treatment Biodegradable Municipal Waste: The North East Region will implement the recommendations of the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy and the requirements of the EPA s Technical Guidance Document on Municipal Solid Waste Pre-treatment and Residuals Management for the management of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW). Proposed policy objectives to achieve the above include: Include prevention and minimisation of BMW in Regional waste prevention programme. Separate collection of BMW from households and commerce Increase recycling rates for household and commercial dry recyclables Support the provision of green waste acceptance facilities at all waste recycling centres. Support the development of infrastructure to adequately treat BMW diverted from landfill. Support the development of end-markets for compost and digestate including engaging with the rx3 programme and other national initiatives. Organic and Food Waste Infrastructure: It is proposed to introduce further policy objectives to take account of the organic waste treatment requirements of the Region following the introduction of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the European Communities (Framework Directive) Regulations 2011 and taking consideration of the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations Such policy objectives promote and support the separate collection of biowaste and support the production of high quality products and the development of high quality end use outlets for compost and digestate. Consideration should also be given to the EPA s discussion paper entitled Hitting the Targets for Biodegradable Municipal Waste, Ten Options for Change in The paper details 10 possible public policy intervention measures to encourage change in the management of organic and food biodegradable municipal waste in order to comply with the 2016 Landfill Directives diversion targets. It is suggested the development of biological treatment infrastructure with a approximate capacity of 100,000 tonnes be supported in the Region, to encourage maximum biological treatment of source segregated municipal organic waste arising in the North East Region in accordance with the Waste Management (Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2009, the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations 2010, the Waste Framework Directive Regulations 2011 and to assist the Region in meeting the EPA pre-treatment guideline targets for the coming three year term and beyond. It should also be noted that due to the significant volumes of agricultural waste generated within the Region, there may be potential for synergies to develop capacity to treat municipal and agricultural wastes. Energy Recovery The objective to develop a thermal treatment facility with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant, therefore it is recommended that this objective remains unchanged with an amendment to the target date from 2007/8 to 2011 in accordance with the construction programme for the Carranstown Waste to Energy facility. However it is proposed to introduce an additional objective to ensure this facility can be classified as a recovery facility. It is therefore suggested this facility demonstrate it can meet the energy efficiency requirements specified in Annex II of the Waste Framework Directive MDR0783Rp0001 xi A01

20 The North East Local Authorities note the importance of ensuring the introduction of thermal treatment does not provide a disincentive to recycling in the Region and in conjunction with the EPA will continue to exercise their statutory powers to ensure the objectives and targets as set out within the Plan are met. It is also recommended that the infrastructure and headline indicator targets for energy recovery remain valid. Landfill Disposal The objective as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant therefore it is recommended that this objective remains unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term. The long term objective of the Plan is to reduce landfill disposal to 18%. In 2009 an estimated 60% of municipal waste was landfilled in the Region. Of the Municipal Waste generated in the North East Region 57% was landfilled in the Region. Former Waste Disposal and Recovery Sites There has been some progress in terms of identifying sites however a significant amount of work is still required in this area. Therefore many of the objectives of the Waste Plan remain relevant, however it is proposed to amend a number of existing objectives as well as introduce others in order to enforce and regulate former waste disposal and recovery sites in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice (CoP), Ministerial Direction (WIR04/05) and the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations. Such objectives include the following: Compile a Section22 register Develop a GIS based database to manage records in relation to Waste Disposal and Recovery Sites Compile and maintain a Section 26 Register. Carry out site specific risk assessments on priority sites in accordance with the CoP Comply with requirements of the Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and Recovery Activity) Regulations. Inter-regional Movement of Waste The policy objective on inter regional waste movement as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant. It is recognised that there should be flexibility with respect to the movement of waste across regional boundaries. In broad terms the capacity of waste facilities in the Region should primarily satisfy the needs of the Region whilst not precluding inter regional movement of waste and allowing flexibility to cater for the development of required national infrastructure. Cross Border Policy In light of the ongoing enforcement activities on illegal cross border movements of waste it is proposed to introduce a policy objective for Local Authorities to pursue close cooperation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on regulation and enforcement in conjunction with the Environmental Enforcement, the Gardai and their Northern Ireland counterparts. Local Authorities are already fulfilling this role, therefore it is proposed to introduce the policy objective to regularise activities. MDR0783Rp0001 xii A01

21 Illegal Waste Disposal Significant works are being carried out in the Region in relation to illegal waste disposal activities. Complaints are given high priority and are investigated promptly. All investigating parties take due cognisance of all relevant ministerial directions issued, the EPA s CoP for Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites and the EPA s CoP for the Development of an Enforcement Policy for Unauthorised Waste Activities. The Local Authorities prepare investigation reports and also take necessary actions including sanctions and penalties such as warning letters, statutory notices and legal action against offenders. Local Authorities also liaise and engage outside agencies such as the Gardaí, EPA and other State Agencies as required. In light of this, the policy objective as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant with progress in achieving such objectives ongoing. It is therefore recommended that the objective of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term. Cost Recovery Due to the limited progress achieved during the term of the Waste Plan with respect to cost recovery systems, the policy objectives as set out within the Waste Plan remain relevant with substantial progress required in order to achieve such objectives. Siting Waste Infrastructure The policy objectives on siting waste infrastructure as set out within the Waste Plan remains relevant in principle therefore it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain largely unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term. However it is also proposed to insert a policy objective to ensure development of infrastructure adheres to the requirements of waste regulation and guidance which have been detailed within the Review. Construction and Demolition (C&D) Due to the limited progress achieved during the term of the Waste Plan with respect to achieving more sustainable waste management practices in the construction and demolition sector, the policy objectives as set out within the Waste Plan remain relevant. The primary goal of the Region is to prevent and minimise C&D waste generation and achieve increased reuse and recycling levels while minimising disposal and associated transportation. In order to achieve these goals it is recommended that the objectives of the Waste Plan remain unchanged and applicable for the proposed three year term. Hazardous Wastes The policy objectives for the management of hazardous waste take consideration of the recommendations of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) and the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008 and the Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations The majority of these are carried forward from the Waste Plan and include measures on raising awareness, Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRI s), collection systems and reporting. The Region must continue to ensure that hazardous waste MDR0783Rp0001 xiii A01

22 is addressed through an integrated approach of prevention, separate collection, recycling, recovery, disposal and the development of industry led producer responsibility schemes for key waste streams. Furthermore the mixing of hazardous waste from SME s will be prohibited and the separate collection of waste oils where technically feasible will be supported in accordance with the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations. Based on current regional performance it is proposed to revise the headline indicator target of 0.75kg per household by 2005 to 2.2kg per household by WEEE On a regional basis substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of WEEE during the term of the Waste Plan with the 2006 headline indicator target being exceeded. This is primarily due to the implementation of the WEEE Regulations. However additional progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at household and industry level in order to further increase performance. Furthermore co-operation and action is also required to further enforce the Batteries Regulations within the Region. It is proposed to introduce the following policy objectives to reflect recent developments:. Carry out data collection and reporting of WEEE performance in the Region Enforce the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations Carry out data collection and reporting of Batteries performance within the Region The Region will continue to adopt all appropriate measures in order to prevent the disposal of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste and to achieve a high level of separate collection. The collection and transport of segregated WEEE shall continue to be carried out in such a way so as to optimise the reuse and recycling potential of components or whole appliances capable of being reused or recycled. Based on the current quantity of WEEE collected per capita in the Region it is proposed to increase the headline indicator target from 4kg per capita to 5.9kg per capita for the forthcoming 3 year period. End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) Substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of ELV s within the Region following the implementation of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations. However further progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at industry level in order to increase performance. Further regulation of Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) is also required. Waste Tyres In terms of waste tyres it was identified that the objectives from the Waste Plan remain largely relevant however they need to be developed further to take consideration of the recommendations of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations. It is proposed to introduce the following objectives to meet this requirement. MDR0783Rp0001 xiv A01

23 Promote recovery of tyres and ensure that waste tyres are collected and recycled in accordance with applicable legislation. Enforce and regulate waste tyres in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Regulations. Local Authority enforcement will perform audits of the waste collection permits and waste permit holders. It should be noted the Local Authorities will make every effort to fulfil their obligations in terms of the Waste Plan and policy objectives, however in many cases success is subject to the availability of suitable financial provisions. MDR0783Rp0001 xv A01

24 PART I DATA REVIEW MDR0783Rp0001 A01

25 1 WASTE GENERATION IN THE NORTH EAST REGION Table 1.1 provides a summary of key waste streams generated in the North East Region and the quantities recorded in 2003 and Each of the waste streams identified in the table below are discussed and analysed in subsequent chapters of this Review Report. Table 1.1 Waste streams generated in the North East Region 2003 and Waste Streams Household Waste Arisings Commercial & Industrial Industrial Construction and Demolition Total 2003 (tonnes) Total 2009 (tonnes) 161, ,577 97, , , , , ,143 1,520,324 [317,095 excluding M3 material] Contaminated Soils 67 3,471 Litter & Street Sweepings 5,237 4,800 Packaging 104,034 83,876 Priority Waste Streams Total 2003 (tonnes) Total 2009 (tonnes) 2009 Data Source Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Questionnaires (2009) Waste Collection Permit and Waste Facility Permit Annual Returns 2009 Data Ireland, Central Statistics Office and EPA National Waste Report 2009 Waste Collection Permit Reporting 2009, Waste Facility Returns 2009 and Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns (2009) Collection Permit Reporting 2009, Waste Facility Returns 2009 and Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns (2009) Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Database Returns (2009). EPA National Waste Report 2008, EPA Municipal Waste Characterisation Surveys 2008 and Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Returns (2009) 2009 Data Source WEEE 469 2,488 EPA National Waste Report 2009 ELVs 10,689 7,430 Waste Collection Permit AERs. Tyres 1, Waste Collection Permit AERs. Household Hazardous waste Healthcare Risk Waste Water and Wastewater sludges Local Authority (EPA) National Waste Database Returns (2009) Waste Collection Permit Returns ,429 13,327 North East Waste Management Plan , Sludge Management Plans and Local Authorities. Sewage Sludge 8,797 8,797 Agricultural waste 572, ,369 North East Waste Management Plan , Teagasc, Central Statistics Office and Sludge Management Plans MDR0783Rp A01

26 2 PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION Chapter 9 of the Waste Plan detail waste prevention and minimisation achievements in the following areas: Household and Community Commerce and Industry Local Authority In 2005 substantial progress had been made in waste prevention within the household and community sectors however achievements in commerce and industry were modest. Since 2005, waste prevention and minimisation activities in the North East Region have progressed significantly in all sectors and the Local Authorities continue to forge effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders in each of these sectors. Over the last 5 years the North East Local Authorities have been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) programme and have developed successful prevention and minimisation initiatives at all sectoral levels. For example, between 2006 and 2009, Monaghan County Council was one of fourteen Local Authorities funded and assisted under the EPA s National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) and LAPD Programme. Monaghan County Council worked with Monaghan Leisure Centre, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) with the aim of preventing and minimising waste generation and developing resource efficiency practices in the following areas: Public Sector Greening Monaghan Business Agriculture Sector Schools Programme Households The Project entitled Working Together to Prevent Waste in County Monaghan was extremely successful with numerous sectors including manufacturing, service industry, hospitality, community run businesses, households, schools, farms and Local Authorities participating and benefitting from advice given by Monaghan County Council in improving their resource use efficiency. The implementation of the pay by use waste collection service by public and private waste collectors in 2005 also raised awareness among all sectors. The provision of this service created an economic incentive for households to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste in line with the Polluter Pays Principle. While implementation of this service has been successful, evidence suggests that the level of fly-tipping and backyard burning of household waste has increased both Nationally and Regionally since the introduction of use related charging systems which has been further exacerbated by the current economic position. These increases in illegal activities have placed additional strain on the enforcement sections of Local Authorities and it is recognised that further enforcement resources and measures are necessary in order to overcome such practices. Within individual Local Authorities, most notable progress has been seen in the overall understanding of prevention, the ability to generate, implement and manage prevention programmes and the motivation to bring about change by participating local authority staff. For example a number of Local MDR0783Rp A01