Comhairle Chontae Chorcaí Cork County Council. Evaluation of Waste Management Plan for Cork County

Transcription

1 Comhairle Chontae Chorcaí Evaluation of Waste Management Plan for Cork County October 2012

2 EVALUATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2012) DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET Status Author Reviewed By Approved By Office of Origin Issue Date Final Jean Sayers Liam Singleton Sharon Corcoran Declan Daly Inniscarra

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2004) REVIEW OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2004) EVALUATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2004) QUANTITIES OF WASTE COLLECTED IN CORK COUNTY(2010) LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS Introduction Waste Management Legislation and Policy OVERARCHING POLICY WASTE PREVENTION AIM ASSESSING IMPLEMENTATION RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION RECOMMENDATION HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT AIM ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS RECOMMENDATION COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY AIM ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION RECOMMENDATIONS MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AIM ASSESSING IMPLEMENTATION LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS...74 October-2012 i

4 8.0 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT AIM ASSESSING THE IMPLMENTATION RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS WASTE STREAMS WHICH FALL UNDER PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY SCHEMES AND OTHER WASTE STREAMS Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment Batteries End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) Tyres Hazardous Waste from Households and Small Businesses and other sources Sludge Waste (Municipal/ Industrial) Packaging Waste INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATION APPENDIX 1 October-2012 ii

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background The Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) sets out to address the on-going challenge of waste management in s functional area. It is predicated on Scenario 2 of the Waste Management Strategy for Cork Region (1995) which proposes that the quantity of waste, and more specifically the quantity of biodegradable waste, to be disposed of will be reduced by recycling and pre-treatment. In addition, the plan takes cognisance of Government Policy which is focused on: The importance of regionalisation of waste management planning, and co-operation between neighbouring Local Authorities for the good of the environment and for economies of scale; Achieving a dramatic reduction in reliance on landfill in favour of an integrated waste management approach, utilising a range of treatment options to deliver ambitious recycling and recovery targets; Increasing participation by the private sector in the provision of waste management services; The introduction of a more effective and equitable system of waste charging which promotes waste minimisation and recovery; Greater utilisation of legislative instruments; Extending the scope of polluter responsibility initiatives; and Emphasising the importance of public support, education and participation in waste management generally. Section 22 (4) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 requires that review its waste management plan at least once in each period of 5 years after the date of making of the plan. Following the said review the Local Authority may vary or replace the plan as it sees fit. The Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) was reviewed in As a result of that review process, and with due consideration of the current legislation at that time it was determined that the Waste Management Strategy for Cork County as presented in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004, remained relevant, especially in terms of achieving the landfill diversion target for It was therefore determined that the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 did not require variation or replacement in 2009 and any such action at the time would have been premature. October-2012 iii

6 In March 2011 the EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), hereafter the Directive, was transposed into Irish law with the passing of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, SI 126 of These transposing regulations give effect to the requirements of the Directive and the Waste Management Act 1996 (hereafter the Act) which have been amended as necessary by the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, SI 126 of This evaluation has been developed in accordance with the requirements of Section (22) (2) (d) of the Act as amended which requires that all regional and county waste management plans in existence at the commencement of the transposing regulations be evaluated by the 31st of December The Evaluation Report assesses new legislation and policies, waste prevention, waste generation, waste management methods and infrastructural developments progressed in the County since the adoption of the Waste Plan in It also assesses progress made in terms of delivering policy actions as well as reviewing policy actions in the context of the current waste policy environment, changes to legislation and the introduction of new waste regulations. Key Achievements of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 The following section summaries progress in Cork County since the 2004 Waste Management Plan was adopted up to and including Waste Prevention Significant developments have been made since 2004 in waste prevention and minimization initiatives. has been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) programme since 2008 & Local Authority Waste Prevention Network It has since then developed and completed successful waste prevention and resource efficiency initiatives at various sectoral levels including at municipal swimming pools ( ), eco business in East Cork Area & numerous corporate initiatives ( ). In addition has progressed waste awareness initiatives to focus on higher order waste management techniques such as prevention, minimization and resource efficiency. Home composting prevented 1,146t of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) from entering the waste collection system in As a result of the waste prevention and environmental awareness training initiative at owned swimming pools 215 kg of waste was diverted from landfill in 2008 arising in Fermoy swimming pool, in the first year of project. With the assistance of this waste prevention project solid waste was reduced from 9.6 to 5.8 g/ swim. October-2012 iv

7 Schools currently participating in the Green School Program in Cork County Category of School No Number of primary schools in the county 303 Number of primary schools in the county participating in green flag scheme 245 Number of secondary schools in the county 59 Number of secondary schools in the county participating in green flag scheme 48 Municipal Waste The overall municipal waste recovery rate for Cork County in 2010 exceeded the national target rate of 35% as set out in the Government Policy Document Changing our Ways as a result of improved awareness initiatives, improved kerbside collection systems for recyclables, the provision of civic amenity sites and bring sites as well as the enforcement of legislation. Approximately 67% of occupied households in the County were provided with or availed of a kerbside waste collection service in Recycling of household waste increased from 8.9% in 2002 to 44% in 2010 Municipal Waste collected (excluding street sweepings) has increased by 54% since The recovery rate for municipal waste has increased from 18.6% in 2002 to 44% in % of municipal waste was landfilled in Household waste recovered increased from 8.9 % in 2002 to 44% in Commercial waste collected has increased by 99% since ,576tonnes of dry recyclables were collected through the kerbside collection system in 2010, kerbside collection was not available in Cork County in Cork County has 11 active civic amenity sites/ transfer stations with approximately 15,018t of material being collected at these facilities in (7 fold increase in tonnage since 2002 when there were 5 civic amenity sites in operation) There are 151 bring banks in the County resulting in the collection of 7,372t of waste in 2010 (i.e. a 701t increase since 2002). October-2012 v

8 Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) The total amount of BMW generated in the Cork Region in 2010 was estimated to be 263,883tonnes of which 120,753tonnes was sent to landfill. The quantity of BMW that was sent to landfill was within the allowable tonnage permitted to be sent to landfill based on the EPA target of 47% by weight of the available BMW generated from the municipal waste collected in Significant diversion will be required to meet the Landfill Diversion targets for 2013 and The quantity of BMW arising in the Cork Region that was sent to landfill in 2010 was 120,753tonnes. The total amount of BMW generated in the Cork Region in 2010 was estimated to be 263,883t Packaging Waste The estimated quantity of packaging waste managed on the market in Cork County in 2010 was estimated to be 75,452 t. This equates to approximately 0.189t of packaging waste managed/ capita. A recovery rate of 74% is reported for packaging nationally for 2010, exceeding the EU target of 60% recovery due in This equates to approximately 0.139t of packaging waste recovered/ capita. Construction & Demolition (C & D) Waste Due to the economic situation in 2010 and its resultant impact on the construction sector the quantity of C & D waste managed in 2010 was 247,290tonnes in the County. Progress in terms of reducing the quantity of C & D waste for disposal has been largely achieved through the reuse of soil and stone for engineering works at landfill sites and in land reclamation activities. The recovery rate for soil and stone in Cork County was 89% in 2010 The recovery rate for other C & D waste in Cork County was 98% in October-2012 vi

9 Producer Responsibility Waste Streams The introduction of legislative developments in recent years has resulted in significant progress being made 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 (ELVs). Approximately 3782tonnes of Household WEEE (Compliance Scheme) was collected in This represents 9.5 kg of WEEE per capita. 17tonnes of waste batteries were collected in 2010 through the Compliance Scheme. This represents 0.04 kg of waste batteries per capita. There were 22 Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) /End of Life Vehicle Facilities operating in the County in Over 25,690tonnes of ELV waste was collected in Over 1,467tonnes of waste tyres were collected in Cork County in Waste Infrastructure There have been developments by both the private sector and the Council in the provision of waste management infrastructure in order to assist in the sustainable management of waste generated in the County. In accordance with the Waste Management Plan a number of brings banks and civic amenity sites have been provided as well as the construction of Bottlehill landfill. Due to national economic factors and the downturn in the economy, operational and environmental costs including an increase in the landfill levy, the landfill has not opened for the provision of a waste disposal service to date. Decisions need to be taken on the future use of Bottlehill Landfill in light of the recently published waste policy document entitled A Resource Opportunity- Waste Management Policy in Ireland which states that....we must now plan more fundamentally for alternative approaches that will allow us effectively to eliminate our use of landfill within the next decade. In January 2011, took the decision not to proceed with the development of the material recovery facility at Rossmore, Carrigtwohill. The following facilities were operating in the County in bring banks and 11 civic amenity sites/ transfer stations operated by the Council. 2 privately operated material recovery facilities and 3 privately operated transfer stations licenced by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as 15 privately operated transfer stations authorized by the Council. October-2012 vii

10 2 composting facility privately operated authorised by the Council together with one of the civic amenity sites run by the Council and 1 facility licenced by the Environmental Protection Agency. 2 Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Facilities. 2 municipal landfills, one of which closed during that year Policy Objectives and Targets Evaluations Findings Waste Prevention and Minimisation There has been substantial progress made in the County in terms of waste prevention and minimization. Some of the actions specified within the Plan remain relevant and continue to encourage behavioral change within households, businesses, industry as well as in public and community areas. However, consideration should be given to the inclusion of policy objectives to add weight to reuse initiatives such as wastematchers and SMILE, producer responsibility initiatives 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. In addition it is recommended that specific policy objectives be included in the plan to take account of the National Waste Prevention Programme as well as the Local Authority Prevention Network in order to support the great work that is doing through this network. Household Waste Collection and Recycling While some of the key policy objectives/actions of the waste plan remain relevant, it is recommended that other existing key policy objectives/actions be replaced, as Cork County Council is no longer involved in the collection of waste, in order to better reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste) Regulations, when they come into effect, are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. To meet the diversion requirements for 2013 and 2016, in addition to the requirement of rolling out a 3-bin separate collection system for households, the treatment of the biodegradable component of the residual waste will be essential. Commercial and Industrial Waste Collection and Recycling Further increases in recycling rates of commercial/industrial municipal solid waste (MSW) are required within the County which includes both dry recyclables and organic waste. While some of the actions of the plan remain relevant, it is recommended that the key policy objectives/actions for commercial/ industrial MSW are replaced to better reflect and be more October-2012 viii

11 specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable.. In the absence of specific actions relating to industrial waste in the current plan it is recommended that key policy objectives/actions for industrial waste be included to reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. Biodegradable Municipal Waste The Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009) impose obligations on the major producers of food waste, e.g. shops, supermarkets, state buildings, restaurants, canteens in office buildings, hotels, guest houses, hospitals, schools, train stations, ports & airports etc. continues to rigorously enforce the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009). However the needs to 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). In this regard it is recommended that the key policy objectives/ actions in the current waste management plan for municipal waste and in particular biodegradable municipal waste are replaced to better reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC), Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations, once they come into effect, are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. The roll out of a 3-bin separate collection system for households, increased recycling and alternative residual capacity will be necessary to meet the diversion requirements for 2013 and Energy Recovery The recently published national policy clearly expresses Ireland s commitment to implement the waste hierarchy set out in the Waste Framework Directive 2008/EC/98. Fourth in the order of priority in the waste hierarchy is other recovery, which relates to the use of other materials in order to replace materials that would otherwise have been used to serve a particular function October-2012 ix

12 including recovery of energy, such as through the generation of electricity by waste to energy and anerobic digestion plants. Consideration must now be given to the provision of waste to energy plants in the County as part of an integrated approach to waste management in line with EU and National Policy. This change in policy would require that a new plan be developed for Cork County. Landfill Disposal A key theme of the recently published national policy is to move from an over reliance on disposal to the virtual elimination of landfill as a municipal waste option, in favour of more sustainable waste management approaches in the higher tiers of the waste hierarchy. Consideration must now be given to the future use of Bottlehill and its possible reconfiguration/ development to assist in the provision of facilities to meet the waste infrastructural needs of the region. The reconfiguration/ redevelopment of the site in Bottlehill would require that a new plan be developed for Cork County. Not withstanding the aforementioned there will continue to be for the foreseeable future in Ireland a demand for good residual landfills in one or more of the new waste management regions signalled in the recently published national waste policy. There will continue to be a requirement for residual landfill. Former Waste Disposal and Recovery Sites There has been substantial progress made in the County in terms of identifying historical waste disposal sites. Tier 1 Investigations have been carried out on all non licenced historical sites identified by the Council with a number of Tier 11 Investigations also completed. Although the action in the plan is relevant it should be amended and new actions should be included 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. Inter Regional Movement The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 allows for the management of waste arisings from the Cork Region (City and County) and is based on the provision of recovery facilities and a single landfill at Bottlehill when existing landfills reach capacity. The 2004 Plan suggests by and large that the capacity of waste facilities in the Region should primarily satisfy the needs of the Cork Region (City and County) whilst not precluding inter- October-2012 x

13 regional movement of waste thereby allowing flexibility to enable efficient development of national infrastructure capacity for waste management. The recently published national policy makes reference to there being a significant reduction in the number of regional formations, (currently 10) to no more than 3. This will enable a greater concentration of resources, while addressing geographical and other relevant differences. The policy recognizes the nature of the Irish waste market and the movement of waste across existing boundaries to avail of waste management infrastructure. This change in policy will require that a new plan be developed for Cork County. Enforcement has a solid foundation in waste enforcement. Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 an Enforcement Unit was set up in This Unit consists of a team of 4 professional staff, 3 litter wardens and administrative staff and is focused on the enforcement of waste management legislation and litter management legislation. The Waste Enforcement Team monitors waste activities, both legal and illegal, throughout Cork County Council s functional area and initiates appropriate action in accordance with Cork County Council s enforcement policy as required. The Waste Enforcement Team has developed a well deserved national reputation for action against illegal waste activity thus ensuring the protection of the environment and human health and the prosecution of offenders. Cost Recovery Limited progress was achieved during the term of the Waste Management Plan with respect to cost recovery systems. Some of the actions as set out within the Waste Plan are no longer relevant as the Council is no longer involved in the waste collection market while others need to be amended and or replaced in order to adhere to the requirements of current regulations. Site Waste Infrastructure Specific actions need to be included regarding the siting of waste infrastructure, taking account of the requirements of waste regulation and guidance where applicable. Construction & Demolition Waste The primary goal of the Council with respect to Construction and Demolition Waste should be one of prevention and minimization of the generation of this waste stream as well as increasing October-2012 xi

14 its reuse and recycling levels. Substantial progress has been made in the recovery of this waste stream, however more sustainable waste management practices need to be encouraged within the County. Specific actions need to be included in the plan in order to achieve more sustainable waste management practices in the Construction and Demolition Sector. In this regard it is recommended that the key policy objectives/actions for construction and demolition waste are replaced to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. Hazardous Wastes Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in 2004 the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan ( ) was published. must ensure that hazardous waste is addressed through an integrated approach of prevention, separate collection, recycling, recovery, disposal and must support the development of industry led producer responsibility schemes for key waste streams. Specific actions need to be included with respect to the management of hazardous waste arising from the Industrial Sector operating within the County. It is recommended that further key policy objectives/ actions for Hazardous Waste be included to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable and the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan ( ). WEEE Substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of WEEE which is primarily due to the implementation of the WEEE Regulations. 9.5 kg/ per capita of WEEE was collected in Cork County in 2010 which is more than double the EU target of > 4kg/capita. needs to 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. It should remain a priority that the collection and transport of segregated WEEE 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. October-2012 xii

15 Progress is required in relation to awareness campaigns at household and industry level in order to further increase performance with respect to the management of waste batteries. There is only one specific action identified in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 with respect to the management of WEEE and two actions with respect to batteries. Action(s) need to be included to take consideration of the recommendations of the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008 as amended and the European Communities (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations In this regard it is recommended that the key policy objectives/actions for WEEE and waste batteries are replaced to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. End of Life Vehicles There is no specific action identified in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 with respect to the management of End of Life Vehicles. Not with standing that has managed the End of Life Vehicle waste stream through the rigorous enforcement of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle) Regulations SI 282 of 2006 as amended since their adoption into law. A project involving the identification and regularisation of un-permitted End-of-Life Vehicle sites within s functional area was initiated by the Waste Enforcement Team in 2006 in response to EU Directive 2000/53/EC, the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 282 of 2006), Case 494/01 taken against the Irish State in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and Circular Letter WIR: 04/05. A total of 180 sites were identified, as unpermitted ELV sites, under the aforementioned project. The operators of these 180 sites each received correspondence from advising them of their responsibilities under the relevant legislation and requiring them to regularise their activity or cease operation. Each site subsequently received a follow up inspection by authorised officers from the Waste Enforcement Team with these measures resulting in the regularisation, to date, of 179 of the 180 sites identified throughout the county. Action(s) need to be included to take account of the recommendations of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle) Regulations SI No 282 of 2006 as amended. In this regard it is recommended that key policy objectives/actions for end of life vehicles/ waste vehicles be included to reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the October-2012 xiii

16 requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. Action 56 of the current plan, which relates to abandoned vehicles, is still applicable. Waste Tyres In terms of waste tyres it was identified that the action from the Waste Plan remains largely relevant however further actions need to be included to take account of the recommendations of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations SI No 664 of 2007.In this regard, it is recommended that further key policy objectives/actions for Waste Tyres be included to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. Conclusion The Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) was formulated with the principle of sustainability at its core and was framed by EU and Irish legislation. The Framework Directive on Waste (75/442/EEC), as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC, established the requirements for member states when dealing with waste and gave rise to a number of Daughter Directives including the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC). Since the adoption of the plan the Framework Directive on Waste (75/442/EEC), as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC has been replaced by the Framework Directive on Waste (2008/98/EC). Despite the updating of legislation the core principles of waste management (i.e reduce, reuse-recycle) remain constant and continue to form a central part of waste management strategy across the EU. The majority of Irish waste legislation is founded in EU law and thus results from the transposition of EU legislation into Irish law. It is dominated by a comprehensive Waste Management Act and covers a wide range of complex issues including waste management, enforcement, licensing and permitting, trans-frontier shipment of waste, hazardous waste management and packaging amongst others. Indeed the period since the adoption and implementation of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) has seen the publication of further EU Directives and their resulting transposition into Irish waste legislation (Chapter 2). Of the most pressing of current obligations is the Landfill Diversion target for Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) for 2010 as stipulated in the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC). It has been determined that the whilst the current strategy saw the Region fulfill its obligations with respect to the 2010 landfill diversion target needs to review its policy October-2012 xiv

17 objectives in order to ensure that it will be in a position to meet its obligations with respect to assisting in the 2013 and 2016 diversion targets for Ireland being met. Since the adoption of the plan a new national policy entitled A Resource Opportunity Waste Management Policy in Ireland was published in July The current policy is predicated on the EU waste hierarchy and encompasses a range of measures across all 5 tiers, namely prevention and minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal. It sets out how the higher tiers can reduce reliance on finite resources, virtually eliminate Ireland s reliance on landfill and minimise the impact on the environment. The policy recognises the importance of waste as an energy resource opportunity in terms of recovery, and the need to develop efficient ways to harness that resource. The policy requires that household waste collection be organised under an improved regulatory regime in order to address problematic issues including a low rate of household participation and insufficient incentives for households to segregate waste. Waste collection companies will have to adhere to improved standards of service, incentivise households to segregate waste and be more transparent about their charging systems. The policy encompasses measures covering the full spectrum of waste management planning, compliance and enforcement. This will include a rationalisation of the waste management regions ie from 10 regions down to no more than 3 regions. The policy makes specific reference to eliminating landfills ie.we must now plan more fundamentally for alternative approaches that will allow us effectively to eliminate our use of landfill within the next decade. Consideration must now be given to the future use of Bottlehill Landfill and its possible reconfiguration/redevelopment to assist in the provision of waste facilities other than landfill to meet the waste infrastructural needs of the region. Not withstanding the aforementioned there will continue to be for the foreseeable future in Ireland a demand for good residual landfills in one or more of the new waste management regions signaled in the recently published national waste policy. Bottlehill Landfill is an appropriate purpose built and properly constructed sustainable residual waste landfill which is in place and ready to accommodate the regions needs. The landfill has a foot print of approximately 45.8 hectares and a landfill capacity of 5,391,600 tonnes of which 660,000m 3 is already in place as referenced above. As a result of this evaluation process, and with due consideration to current legislation and national policy just published, it has been determined by that the current waste management strategy for Cork County, as presented in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004), is no longer relevant at a local level, especially in terms of achieving the landfill diversion target for 2013 and 2016 as well as the future use of Bottlehill Landfill and the non development of the material recovery facility at Rossmore. At a national level the national waste policy published in July 2012 makes reference October-2012 xv

18 to rationalising the waste management regions ie from 10 regions down to no more than 3 regions. It is therefore determined that the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) requires replacement. October-2012 xvi

19 INTRODUCTION 1.1 OVERVIEW OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING Under Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996 each Local Authority is required to make a waste management plan. It is permitted under the Act however that two or more Local Authorities, in lieu of each of them making an individual waste management plan, may prepare a joint plan. As outlined in Section 22 (6) of the Waste Management Acts, 1996 (prior to the coming into effect in March 2011 of European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, SI 126 of 2011) the statutory objective of a waste management plan was to: Prevent or minimise the production and harmful nature of waste; Encourage and support the recovery of waste; Ensure that such waste as cannot be prevented or recovered is safely disposed of, and Address the need to give effect to the polluter pays principle, in relation to waste disposal. For waste management purposes the country has been divided into ten regions namely: Connaught, Cork, Dublin, Midlands, Mid-West, North-East, South-East, Donegal, Kildare and Wicklow (Figure 1.1). The Cork Waste Management Region comprises the functional areas of both Cork City Council and. Figure 1.1 Waste Management Regions. October

20 While both Local Authorities adopted a regional approach to developing a waste management strategy with the publication of Waste Management Strategy for Cork Region (1995) they remain the exception in terms of waste management planning. While nine of the waste management regions prepare regional waste management plans both and Cork City Council prepare waste management plans for their respective functional areas. 1.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2004) The Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) sets out to address the on-going challenge of waste management in s functional area. It replaced the previous plan published in 1999 and is shaped by government policy and waste legislation current at the time of publication. The plan addresses all areas of waste management - from waste prevention, to its collection, treatment, recovery and final disposal and is structured as follows: Chapter 1: Preface to Waste Management Plan Chapter 2: Present Position Regarding Waste Management Chapter 3: Anticipated Developments between Chapter 4: Waste Management Policy Chapter 5: Implementation of Waste Management Policy from 2004 to 2009 Chapter 6: Recommendations of National Hazardous Waste Management Plan Chapter 7: Objectives and Actions 1.3 REVIEW OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2004) Prior to the coming into effect in March 2011 of European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, SI 126 of 2011 Section 22 (4) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 required that Cork County Council review its waste management plan at least once in each period of 5 years after the date of making of the plan. Following the said review the Local Authority may vary or replace the plan as it sees fit. reviewed its waste management plan in As a result of that review process, and with due consideration of the current legislation at that time it was determined that the Waste Management Strategy for Cork County as presented in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004, remained relevant, especially in terms of achieving the landfill diversion target for It was therefore determined that the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 did not require variation or replacement in 2009 and any such action at the time would have been premature. October

21 1.4 EVALUATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CORK COUNTY (2004) In March 2011 the EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), hereafter the Directive, was transposed into Irish law with the passing of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, SI 126 of These transposing regulations give effect to the requirements of the Directive and the Waste Management Act 1996 (hereafter the Act) which been amended as necessary by the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, SI 126 of The legislative framework for waste management planning is set out in Part 2 of the amended Act with Sections (22) to (25) addressing the preparation of non-hazardous waste management plans. The requirement to evaluate waste plans was introduced by the Directive and transposed into the Act. Article 28 of the Directive requires Member States to include an evaluation of how the plan will support the implementation of the objectives and provisions of this Directive as part of the waste management plan process. Article 30 of the Directive requires Member States to evaluate the waste management plan once every six years. Section (22) (2) (d) of the Act requires waste management plans in existence at the commencement of the transposing regulations to be evaluated by the 31 st of December In compliance with this statutory requirement, all regional and county waste management plans must be evaluated within this timeframe. Following the completion of an evaluation, Local Authorities will need to decide to either make revisions to the waste management plan or to make a replacement plan. Whatever the outcome of this decision, Local Authorities must ensure that the requirements of the Directive are implemented by the revised or replacement waste plan which results. October

22 1.5 QUANTITIES OF WASTE COLLECTED IN CORK COUNTY Many of the waste streams set out hereunder are discussed in subsequent chapters of this Evaluation Report. Table 1.1 provides a summary of the quantities of waste streams collected in Cork County in Waste Stream Total 2010 (t) Source of Data Agriculture (excl farm plastics) 10, Local Authority e-aer system Batteries (Compliance Scheme) Compliance schemes Batteries (non municipal) Compliance schemes Commercial & Industrial (Municipal) 106, Local Authority e-aer system Construction & Demolition/ Soil & Stone 247, EPA National Waste Report 2010 Contaminated Soils 1, EPA End of Life Vehicles 25, Local Authority e-aer system Farm Plastics 2, Local Authority e-aer system Healthcare Risk Waste Local Authority e-aer system Household Waste Generated 170,660 Local Authority e-aer system Household Waste Managed 127,061 EPA National Waste Report 2010/ Local Authority e-aer system/ EPA questionnaire Industrial Waste (Non Haz) 46, Local Authority e-aer system Industrial Waste (Haz) 49, Local Authority e-aer system Industrial Sludges 6, Local Authority e-aer system Litter & Street Sweepings 7,244 EPA Mining Waste 8 Local Authority e-aer system Other waste (eg 16 04;16 05; Local Authority e-aer system Packaging 75,452 Quantity estimated using packaging waste managed indicator & population data Secondary Wastes 28, Local Authority e-aer system Sludges from Water & Waste Water 30, Local Authority e-aer system Plants Sewage Sludges 11, Local Authority e-aer system Tyres 1, Local Authority e-aer system WEEE (Household) (Compliance Scheme) 3,782 Compliance Scheme Other WEEE Local Authority e-aer system Waste Oils 3, EPA Wastes from Power & Thermal Plants Local Authority e-aer system Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 October

23 2.0 LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS 2.1 INTRODUCTION The period since the adoption and implementation of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) has seen the publication of numerous EU Directives and their resulting transposition into Irish waste legislation. Irish waste policy has also evolved accordingly over this period. In this chapter the salient points of the relevant legislation and policy documents are outlined. Policy objectives as set out in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) are examined against regulatory requirements in subsequent chapters of this document in order to make a determination as to whether the policy objectives within the plan are still adequate or whether the Council needs to revise or replace its Waste Management Plan in line with the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. The following table summarises developments in policy and legislation since Table 2.1 Summary of developments in policy and legislation since 2004 LEGISLATION Date EU EU Directive 2008/98/EC on waste 2008 EU Directive 2008/1/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control 2008 EU Regulation 1013/2006 on Shipments of Waste 2006 Directive 2006/21/EC on the management of Waste from Extractive Industries 2006 Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and 2006 accumulators Directive 2006/21/EC on the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries 2006 National European Union (Environmental Assessment Impact)(Waste) Regulations (S.I. No 283 of 2012) Waste Management ( Landfill Levy) Amendment Regulations 2012 (S.I. No of 2012) Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (No 20 of 2011) 2011 European Communities ( End of Life Vehicles) ( Amendment) Regulations (S.I. No. 661 of 2011) Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 434 of 2011) 2011 European Communities (Waste Electrical and Electronic 2011 Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 397 of 2011) European Communities (Waste Electrical and Electronic 2011 Equipment)Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 355 of 2011) Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No of 2011) Waste Management ( End of Life Vehicles) ( Amendment) Regulations (S.I. No. 142 of 2010) Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations (S.I. No. 32 of 2010) October

24 Waste Management (Landfill Levy)(Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No of 2010) Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 13 of 2010) 2010 Waste management (Management of Waste from Extractive Industries) 2009 Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 566 of 2009) Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Amendment Regulations 2009 (S.I. No of 2009) Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 508 of 2009) 2009 Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Order 2009 (S.I. No. 496 of 2009) 2009 Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations (S.I. No. 286 of 2009) Waste Management (Certification of Historic Unlicensed Waste Disposal and 2008 Recovery Activity) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 524 of 2008) Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No of 2008) Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators)(Amendment) Regulations (S.I. 556 of 2008) European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008 SI 547 of Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical 2008 And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2008 S.I. No. 376 of 2008) Waste Management (Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Regulations (S.I. No. 375 of 2008) Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations, 2008 (S.I. No. 199 of 2008) 2008 Waste Management Landfill Levy Order 2008 (S.I. No. 168 of 2008) 2008 Waste Management (Registration of Brokers and Dealers) Regulations (S.I. No. 113 of 2008) Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I No. 87 of 2008) Waste Management (Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) 2008 (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 86 of 2008) Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 (S.I No. 821 of 2007) Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 820 of ) Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 798 of 2007) 2007 Waste Management ( Tyres and Waste Tyres) - Regulations 2007 (S.I. No of 2007) Litter Pollution (Increased Notice Payment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 558 of ) Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 419 of ) Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment) (No 2) 2007 Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 167 of 2007) Waste Management (Landfill Levy)(Amendment) Regulations, 2006, (S.I. No of 2006) Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No October

25 of 2006) Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 282 of 2006) Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 341 of 2005) Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 340 of 2005) Waste Management (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 290 of 2005) Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No of 2004) Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 (SI 395 of 2004) 2004 POLICY A Resource Opportunity Waste Management Policy in Ireland 2012 National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste 2006 NATIONAL PLANS/ PROGRAMMES National Waste Prevention Programme - Prevention Plan National Hazardous Waste Management Plan PENDING LEGISLATION Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION AND POLICY EU Legislation Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in 2004 Waste (Directive 75/442/EEC) was repealed and replaced by Framework Directive on Waste (Directive 2006/12/EC). Subsequently Framework Directive on Waste (Directive 2006/12/EC) has been repealed and replaced by Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). Summary details of both Directives are set down hereunder: The Framework Directive on Waste (Directive 2006/12/EC), which repealed and replaced Directive 75/442/EEC, outlined the general obligations for the collection, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal of all solid waste save for some noted exceptions. It stipulated that all waste be disposed of without endangering human health and without processes or methods which could harm the environment, and in particular: without risk to the water, air, soils and plants and animals; without causing a nuisance through noise and odours; without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest. October

26 The Directive also required that Member States: Prohibit the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste, and promote waste prevention, recycling and processing for re-use; Co-operate with a view to establishing an integrated and adequate network of disposal installations (taking account of the best available technologies) so as to enable the Community as a whole to become self-sufficient in waste disposal and Member States to move towards that aim individually; Ensure that undertakings or establishments treating, storing or tipping their own waste or on behalf of third parties obtain a permit from the Competent Authority; Ensure that the polluter pays principle was implemented and, Require that Competent Authorities designated by the Member States draw up one or more management plans relating, in particular, to the types, quantities and origins of the wastes to be recovered or disposed of, the general technical requirements, any special arrangements for particular wastes, and suitable disposal sites and installations. Directive 2006/12/EC was repealed and replaced by the revised Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC) with effect from 12 th December 2010 its core principles were incorporated into the new Directive. Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) also repealed the Hazardous Waste Directive 91/689/EEC, and the Waste Oils Directive 75/439/EEC. The current Directive outlines a new hierarchy which shall act as a "priority order" in waste prevention, legislation and policy. The amended hierarchy is: Waste Prevention Preparing for reuse Recycling Other recovery not including recycling Disposal The Directive also clarifies the issues that need to be addressed in regional/local waste management plans. As well as an analysis of the waste management situation in the region and the measures to promote the prevention, re-use, recycling, recovery and safe disposal of waste, the plans must also contain: The type, quantity and source of waste generated; Existing collection schemes and major disposal and recovery facilities in the area; An assessment of the need for new collection schemes, closure of existing facilities, and the need for additional waste management infrastructure; October

27 Information on the location criteria for site identification, and on the capacity of future disposal and recovery facilities; General waste management policies, including planned waste management technologies and policies for waste posing specific management problems. Finally, the Directive establishes new overall waste management targets which require: The re-use and recycling of household and similar waste to be increased to a minimum of 50% by weight by 2020; The re-use and recycling of construction and demolition waste, manufacturing waste and industrial waste to be increased to a minimum of 70% by weight by 2020 Waste Management (Waste Framework Directive) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 126 of 2011) transposed Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC) into Irish Law on the 31 st of March Irish Legislation: 2004 to 2012 Irish waste legislation is dominated by a comprehensive Waste Management Act, which has been amended a number of times since 1996,that covers a wide range of complex issues. Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) there have been a number of changes to this legislation (refer to table 2.1 above), mainly arising from the transposition of EU legislation into Irish law. Waste Management Legislation can be divided into five general categories as set down hereunder: (As referenced above the fallout of the adoption of national legislation since 2004 will be examined against policy objectives of the Council s Waste Management Plan in subsequent chapters of this document) Waste Management Legislation Polluter Pays Legislation; Permitting and Licensing Legislation; Producer Responsibility Legislation, and Hazardous Waste Legislation National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste (2006) Ireland s waste management policy framework has been developed through a combination of Government policy statements and Local Authority waste management plans which between them formed the basis for delivering an integrated and sustainable waste management system. The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and sets out measures to progressively divert biodegradable municipal waste from landfill in accordance with the agreed targets set down in the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC). The strategy is consistent with the integrated waste October

28 management approach established as Government policy since the publication of Changing Our Ways in 1998 and outlines preferred options for dealing with Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) based on the waste hierarchy: 1. Prevention, Minimisation and Reuse avoiding generating the waste 2. Source Separation: Materials Recycling mainly of paper and cardboard but also of textiles. Biological treatment mainly of kitchen and garden waste including composting. 3. Residual Waste: Thermal treatment and MBT thermal treatment with energy recovery or by way of mechanical-biological treatment. Landfill. The strategy presents, on a national scale, the potential contribution of each of these measures to achieving the 2016 target for diversion of BMW from landfill. It proposes that, by 2016, recycling (principally of paper and cardboard waste which cannot be reused) will divert 875,371 tonnes (38.6%) from landfill with biological treatment (mainly food and garden waste) contributing 442,129 tonnes (19.5%) to the overall target with thermal treatment/mbt diverting 499,762 tonnes (22%) of residual waste. It also presents both the measures to be taken through to 2016 and the incremental increase required for each of the measures such that the targets for 2010, 2013 and 2016 are achieved. These measures include: Home composting; Kerbside collection of household organic waste in urban areas; Recycling centres for green waste; Diversion of commercial food waste; Separate collection of food waste from relevant commercial enterprises; Biological treatment of household and commercial organic waste; Separate collection of paper and cardboard from household and commercial sources; Expansion of mechanical recovery capacity, and Expansion of biological treatment capacity to meet increasing demand. October

29 2.2.4 National Hazardous Waste Management Plan Under Section 26 of the Waste Management Acts, 1996 it is the statutory responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make a national hazardous waste management plan. This deals, inter alia, with the prevention of hazardous waste, the setting of targets towards this goal and the identification of facilities currently available for the collection, recovery or disposal of hazardous wastes. The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008 to 2012 sets out the priorities to be pursued to improve the management of hazardous waste in the Republic of Ireland. The objectives of the Plan are: 1. To reduce the generation of hazardous waste by industry and society generally. 2. To minimise unreported hazardous waste with a view to reducing the environmental impact of this unregulated waste stream. 3. To strive for increased self-sufficiency in the management of hazardous waste and to reduce hazardous waste export. 4. To minimise the environmental, social and economic impacts of hazardous waste generation and management. The Plan contains twenty-nine recommendations for the prevention, collection and treatment of hazardous waste. For each recommendation, a responsible body and a broad timeline are proposed. The EPA will take primary responsibility for co-ordinating and monitoring the Plan s implementation, as well as directly implementing a number of recommendations. Local authorities are proposed as the responsible bodies for several recommendations, including: Designating waste prevention officers, and working with the proposed Local Authority Network, Promoting hazardous waste prevention and best practice, Publicising and creating awareness of available services, Providing comprehensive hazardous waste collection facilities and services in each Local Authority area, Inspecting and enforcing hazardous waste management obligations at local businesses, Co-ordinating the management of contaminated soil from large scale brownfield and docklands redevelopment works, and Identifying, assessing and prioritising old disposal sites that to a significant extent involved the disposal of hazardous waste. October

30 2.2.5 National Waste Prevention Program The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government established the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) in April 2004 in accordance with the policy document Preventing and Recycling Waste Delivering Change. The Environmental Protection Agency published an outline framework plan for the Programme to cover the period The EPA published a new Prevention Plan for the period This document is presented as a framework statement of intent for work to be completed on the Prevention Programme for the four year period to The objectives of the National Waste Prevention Plan are to: implement a suite of projects that, individually and combined, are designed to overcome the barriers to waste prevention and, in the organisations and individuals engaged with: increase awareness of the environmental impact of excess consumption and waste; reduce the use of material, water and energy resources in order to reduce waste generation; increase the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill; and reduce the use of hazardous substances and the generation of hazardous waste; take the principles of resource efficiency and waste prevention, as set out in National and European policy documents and legislation, into account in the design and implementation of all projects under the National Waste Prevention Programme s operational heading; bring about measurable improvements in resource efficiency and waste generation at organisational and, where participation is high and indicators exist, sectoral levels; generate case studies to actively demonstrate the opportunities and cost savings possible from resource efficiency and waste prevention; and disseminate the principles of resource efficiency and waste prevention throughout the public and private sectors to encourage uptake of best practice in relation to internal practices and influence on the public and clients. October

31 2.2.6 National Waste Policy- A Resource Opportunity- July 2012 The current policy published in July 2012 is predicated on the EU waste hierarchy and encompasses a range of measures across all 5 tiers, namely prevention and minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal. It sets out how the higher tiers can reduce reliance on finite resources, virtually eliminate Ireland s reliance on landfill and minimise the impact on the environment. The policy recognises the importance of waste as an energy resource opportunity in terms of recovery, and the need to develop efficient ways to harness that resource. The policy requires that household waste collection be organised under an improved regulatory regime in order to address problematic issues including low rate of household participation and insufficient incentives for households to segregate waste. Waste collection companies will have to adhere to improved standards of service, incentivise households to segregate waste and be more transparent about their charging systems. The policy encompasses measures covering the full spectrum of waste management planning, compliance and enforcement. This will include a rationalisation of waste management regions ie from 10 regions currently down to no more than 3 regions. The policy statement sets out the Government s agreed approach to the management of waste in Ireland in the years ahead to The principles, goals and objectives articulated in the policy statement are designed to chart an ambitious path forward. A comprehensive suite of associated targets is set out in the document, achievement of which will be dependent on the successful implementation of the wide range of supporting measures outlined. October

32 3.0 OVERARCHING POLICY 3.1 Overall Policy Statement is committed to a system of waste management that will see the least possible amount of waste going to modern engineered landfills. This will be achieved through the use of bring sites, civic amenity sites and material recovery and treatment plants. New and emerging technologies will also play a part in overall waste management. The Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region on which the Council s Plan is based, which spans the 25 years to 2020, commits the Local Authorities of Cork to: Act to conserve and protect the environment and natural resources of the Region. Develop a communication/information/education strategy to help ensure acceptance of ownership of the strategy among members of the public throughout the Region and to galvanise co-operative community action. Provide a framework to address the Region s growing problem of waste management in accordance with best prevailing norms, financial capacity and best environmental practice. Set a headline in the key area of waste management, both within the Region and nationally, by this pro-active initiative between the two authorities. Provide solutions for three main issues: 1) Expansion of the recycling facilities. 2) Reduction of volumes to be disposed of to landfill through pre-treatment options. 3) Proper disposal to landfill of residues in accordance with EU and EPA requirements. The Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region, jointly commissioned by Cork County Council and Cork City Council in 1995, examined in detail all the options available to the Region for its waste management. Options for the prevention, collection, treatment and disposal of the Region s waste were outlined and assessed. These options were then organised into three separate scenarios as set down in the table 3.1 hereunder: October

33 Table 3.1 General Overview of Scenarios Scenario Separate collection & No Yes Yes Yes recycling Home composting Yes Yes Yes Yes Mechanical separation & No No Yes Yes Baling Composting or No No Yes Yes Digestion Incineration No No No Yes Landfill Yes Yes Yes Yes Source: Waste Management Strategy for Cork Region 1995 s Waste Management Plan (1999 to 2004) confirmed the decision to proceed on the basis of Scenario 2 of the Waste Management Strategy and the current plan decided to continue to implement scenario 2. Although the Cork Region Waste Management Strategy is intended to provide a framework for waste management in the Region until the year 2020, the Strategy has provided for reassessment of the options chosen throughout the 25 year period. Therefore, subsequent reviews of the Council s Waste Management Plan will include examination and review of these options and the assessment of new waste management techniques and technologies which may be pertinent to County Cork. The Waste Plan presents specific individual waste policy objectives/ actions for waste prevention, waste collection, waste recovery, disposal of residual waste, packaging waste, litter, hazardous waste management and general waste management. The aim of implementing these policy objectives/ actions is to achieve the target rates of recycling, recovery and disposal in order to meet the requirements of current and future EU and National legislation. 3.2 Targets is committed to a system of waste management that is based on the principles of the EU Waste Hierarchy and current EU and National policies and as a consequence in reaching targets set within the Government s policy documents, National Regulations and EU Directives. Table 3.2 details some of the achievements made by Cork County Council in October

34 Table 3.2 Headline Indicators 2010 Headline Indicator Achievements (2010) Household Waste Generated per household 1.17 Municipal Waste Recovery Rate 44% Tonnage of Biodegradable waste landfilled 120,753 t % C & D (incl soil & stone) Recovered 91% Kg (Household) WEEE collected for recycling 9.5 Packaging Waste managed (estimate) 75,452t Source: Local Authority e-aer system Inter-Regional Movement Government policy recognized the restrictions enforced on Regions by the literal interpretation of the proximity principle by a number of planning authorities. took consideration of Government policy and direction within the objectives of its waste plan. The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 allows for the management of waste arisings from the Cork Region (City and County) and is based on the provision of recovery facilities and a single landfill at Bottlehill when existing landfills reach capacity. The Plan complies with the proximity principle in that the facilities will be located close to the major sources of waste. The 2004 Plan suggests by and large that the capacity of waste facilities in the Region should primarily satisfy the needs of the Cork Region (City and County) whilst not precluding interregional movement of waste thereby allowing flexibility to enable efficient development of national infrastructure capacity for waste management. 3.4 Cost Recovery s policy in relation to cost recovery is to seek to improve levels of cost recovery for waste management services in keeping with the Polluter Pay s Principle. Action 13 of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County states that In line with the Polluter Pays Principle, will continue to move towards the recovery of the full cost of collection (and recovery/disposal) of waste from commercial, industrial and household sources This can be achieved through; Increasing cost recovery for functions such as regulation and enforcement Using appropriate economic instruments to achieve sustainable waste management Continuing to employ, adjust and introduce use fees for waste services and facilities and to use the income from these fees to finance measures taken by the Council in accordance with objectives of the Plan. October

35 Maximising grant assistance from the Government s Environmental Fund for appropriate schemes or other grant assistance that may become available from National or EU sources 3.5 Self Sufficiency and Proximity The development of waste management infrastructure to date by both the public and private sectors highlights the advances made across Cork County in addressing the proximity principle. Article 16 (4) of the revised Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) states that the principles of proximity and self-sufficiency shall not mean that each Member State has to possess the full range of final recovery facilities within that Member State. is supportive of co-operation with neighbouring Regions to cater for the development of required national infrastructure. 3.6 Enforcement has a solid foundation in waste enforcement. Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 an Enforcement Unit was set up in This Unit consists of a team of 4 professional staff, 3 litter wardens and administrative staff and is focused on the enforcement of waste management legislation and litter management legislation. The Waste Enforcement Team monitors waste activities, both legal and illegal, throughout Cork County Council s functional area and initiates appropriate action in accordance with Cork County Council s enforcement policy as required. It undertakes programmed audits of both waste management and collection permit holders and also provides a first response to reports of unauthorized waste activities received both directly from the public (in accordance with the National Complaints procedure) and from the Environmental Protection Agency Illegal Dumping Line. One of the team s most successful innovations has been the deployment of a helicopter to undertake aerial surveillance of the county. On a specified number of occasions each year, having analysed the complaints/ reports received in order to target specific areas, Cork County Council contracts a private helicopter firm for approximately three hours at a time to take two authorised officers on an aerial surveillance operation over a predetermined area of the county. During each of these flights these authorised officers record any signs of suspected illegal activity using geo-referenced aerial photography In order to give a broader understanding of the accomplishments of the team a more holistic approach is required and thus two of its main achievements can be described as: October

36 a) A reduction in the environmental impact resulting from waste activities occurring throughout the Council s functional area by: Regularising unpermitted activities; Monitoring and auditing permitted activities; Enforcing waste management legislation where necessary; Raising awareness among the general public of their obligations with respect to the safe disposal of waste; b) Improving the quality of data available to the Council s management structure and the EPA for strategic decision making. While specific achievements of the Waste Enforcement Team can be quantified in terms of the number of successful prosecutions taken, the number of fines issued, the number of levies collected or the success of individual projects such as the ELV project, the development of a multi-agency, multi-regional working group and the improvement of the service delivered to those living and operating within the functional area of by providing an effective first response to complaints of unauthorised activity, ensuring a level playing pitch for authorised operators and those registered under the various producer responsibility initiatives this does not allow for an overall appreciation of the success of the team to date. There is an acute appreciation within the Environment Directorate that the Waste Enforcement Team must maintain the ability and capacity to respond and adapt to the ever changing environment in which it operates. To address this issue and ensure that the objectives of the Waste Enforcement Team remain current an annual waste enforcement programme is developed in accordance with the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI). The challenges for 2012 have become more difficult against a backdrop of increasing regulation and reduced resources. recognises the need to prioritise the focus of the inspection/enforcement plan developed under the RMCEI to ensure that the limited resources available are deployed effectively. The plan for 2012 has been developed to focus on solving particular environmental problems and to move away from the resource intensive inspect and enforce model with its emphasis on staff deployment, legal notices, complaints monitoring and inspection number statistics to an emphasis on risk assessment and prioritising available resources to determine intermediate and long term outcomes for the environment October

37 The Waste Enforcement Team has developed a well deserved national reputation for action against illegal waste activity thus ensuring the protection of the environment and human health and the prosecution of offenders October

38 4 WASTE PREVENTION 4.1 AIM The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a waste prevention perspective the policies in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 aim to promote prevention as a core activity in the Region as well as ensuring a more sustainable development. 4.2 ASSESSING IMPLEMENTATION The following sections provide a summary of the progress made within Cork County since 2002 in terms of waste prevention and minimisation initiatives within each sector Resources The Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) identified 10 specified actions under the Objective entitled Waste Prevention as well as 8 other actions relating to waste prevention to be addressed. Waste prevention activities fall under the remit of the Environmental Awareness and Research Unit (EARU) of, which was established in This Unit is charged with developing an environmental awareness plan for Cork County and to this end it has developed a strategic policy based on the Council s Strategic and Corporate Plan, Waste Management Plan and Litter Plan and the Environment and Emergency Directorate s Operational Plan. Central to this policy are preventative initiatives and associated public awareness programmes, both underpinned by environmental research. The EARU, consisting of 2 staff members, drives the waste prevention and awareness initiatives across each sector Households and Schools/ Community The EARU continues to have a positive impact on waste minimisation and prevention on their primary focus group the public. The Unit is responsible for raising awareness among the public on best practice in waste prevention management. Consequently waste awareness and education programmes were developed and implemented within Cork County. Waste minimisation initiatives in the past in Cork County were primarily aimed at diverting waste from disposal by encouraging the use of kerbside recycling, Bring Banks, Recycling Centres and home compost bins. However in more recent years, waste awareness initiatives have October

39 progressed to focus on higher order waste management techniques such as prevention, minimisation and resource efficiency measures. For instance to promote composting and encourage the diversion of green waste, i.e. fruit and vegetable kitchen waste and garden waste from landfill,, in 2004, undertook a promotional scheme whereby compost bins were sold to members of the greater public at a subsidised rate. This scheme has since come to an end and bins are now sold by the Council at cost price. Since the inception of the scheme, and up to the end of 2007, the Council had sold 6,652 bins. In addition the Council published educational materials & guidelines for the public relating to composting and continues to promote the benefits of composting and to advertise the availability of composting bins. From 2008 to date a number of additional initiatives were launched including the following: Demonstrations of home composting systems at garden centres throughout the County. The month of May is designated as compost awareness month in the County. Establishing a master composter training site in Quarterstown, Mallow and training of 32 master composters. A composting demonstration site was opened in Inniscarra Waterworks site in This site is training venue for schools, Tidy Towns groups and NGOs. A schools training composting program has been developed with on site training available for schools. Training materials & information sheets & booklets have been developed & are disseminated Educational courses for households. Six week training courses on householders waste minimization and promotion of resource efficiency skills were held in the locations of North and West Cork i.e.coolagown, Rathbarry & Duhallow areas, each group comprised of approximately 25 participants Local Agenda 21 environment fund to communities The EARU activity encourages communities to apply for this funding each year. The grant aid for environmental initiatives is a mechanism for promoting waste prevention & sustainable practices in local communities. Projects have included grow your own via community allotment gardens, waste prevention training courses and composting demonstrations, antilitter initiatives STOP FOOD WASTE. The EARU supports this National EPA lead programme & distributes information booklets to communities via library service, citizen advice bureaus & public awareness events. October

40 Green flag programme for Schools undertook a schools initiative to promote prevention as the most desirable form of waste management in order to encourage schools to move beyond recycling. The Council continues to support this existing programme, i.e. Green Flag School s programme, and continues to develop new initiatives to increase environmental awareness among its youth and their leaders and teachers. Currently 180 schools are awarded Green Flags in the County. Among the initiatives undertaken by these schools are recycling, reuse & waste minimization and on-site composting. In addition, pilot Summer programmes on environmental education have been established for teachers & youth/community leaders while environmental education programmes have also been developed with other agencies e.g. the Education Unit at Fota Wildlife Park. Table 4.1 Provides details of the schools participating in the Green School Program in Cork County Participants No Number of primary schools in the county 303 Number of primary schools in the county participating in green flag scheme 245 Number of secondary schools in the county 59 Number of secondary schools in the county participating in green flag scheme 48 In addition to Green Schools, the EARU encourages other youth group initiatives within Youth Reach Service Groups. Two examples are given hereunder:- i) In 2010 & 2011, the Cobh Youth Reach Group supported a waste prevention event in assisting in greening the Midleton Food festival. They also acted as educational mentors of young children during the European Waste Week events held at Fota Wildlife in ii) Youghal Youth Reach Group under took a large scale collection & composting of sea weed over a 9 month period. The new compost is used in poly tunnels in the adjacent St Rachael s nursing home Commerce and Industry Sector From 2000 to 2005, achievements in waste prevention within commerce and industry were modest, with some exceptions through the work of the EPA. The Waste Management Plan for County Cork identified this as an area which needed to be addressed In order to address this concern, a number of objectives including the following were set out in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004): October

41 a) Green Failte Awards for Hotels (Action 2) The Green Failte Award Scheme was aimed at promoting sustainability across the hotel sector by assisting in the reduction of energy and water usage and waste production thus reducing cost. The Green Hospitality Award is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency under the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP). Funding is provided by the DEHLG from the Environment Fund ( This is a voluntary programme that demonstrates leadership in environmental management within the hospitality sector. Each successful member receives either an Eco-label or an Award based on a set of strict criteria and is then allowed to use and display the Logo. b) Other Award Schemes (Action 3) An environmental programme for local businesses called the Eco Business Ireland Awards and run in conjunction with the Clean Technology Centre of Cork Institute of Technology commenced in 2007 within County Cork. Under this scheme businesses were shown how to reduce waste disposal costs, implement best practice in waste management, lower energy costs and reduce their water charges. On successful completion of the programme, businesses were entitled to display the Eco Business Ireland Award mark demonstrating their commitment to environmental best practice. 12 participants signed on for this 1 year programme. A second phase of this programme commenced in Lessons learned from these two phases allowed a third action under LAPN to be rolled out in East Cork. Emphasis has shifted from awards to resource efficiency trainings. Furthermore it was identified that businesses and industries must take responsibility for the proper management of waste and the responsibility to implement best waste management practice in the workplace with the emphasis on waste prevention was identified as a business sector duty. together with the business sector tried to meet this objective by undertaking a number of initiatives including: Zero Waste and Emissions (ZEW) project. (Action 4) This is run in conjunction with the Clean Technology Centre at Cork Institute of Technology. The project promotes good practices and networking at both the business and community level. Sets of tools have been developed and tested, which assess all aspects relating to sustainable development in business and to pinpoint areas for improvement. October

42 Companies are encouraged to network and to share solutions. Further measures will be developed to involve all stakeholders in the area, and to help regeneration both economically and environmentally. The Local Sustainable Region Pilot Project concept had aims at developing a truly sustainable regional economy. It is a development stemming from the Eco Cork project and the Macroom E project which continues to support. The overall objective is that Macroom will become a model for all regional development including internationally. The project is based on the following action strands: Macroom e Environmental Industrial park (EIP). This is a truly innovative concept, requiring participating businesses to adopt sound environmental practices, and ensuring a high standard of sustainability in the erection of buildings. Proper management schemes and shared resources are promoted as well as similar projects relating to local sustainability. The projects promote good practices and networking at both the business and community level: Up to 2010 a number of programmes were held at the Macroom E centre. For Households Eco Saver programme (Global Action Plan) and the Wastematchers.com website. Schools E Schools Pilot Programme which supports local environmental initiatives in these schools. For Businesses Eco Business Ireland Awards programme. Current waste prevention programme run from Macroom E include: Waste Exchange. The Wastematchers ( is a re-use website currently in operation for householders & businesses in Cork City & County. This free exchange website is a joint venture between, Cork City Council, South Cork Enterprise Board and Macroom E. In 2010, a national reuse website was launched. Cork City Council opted to join the national program. Wastematchers is still currently operating with over 1000 members subscribing in Cork. In 2011, a waste prevention category was introduced into the National Ecounesco Youth Awards. Due to budgets restrictions in , it is proposed to terminate the project this year. SMILE Waste Exchange for Businesses. The SMILE Network runs waste exchange networking events for businesses and offers a support service via its web site. Following the six month pilot phase in Cork in 2010/2011, the SMILE Resource Exchange initiative went from strength to strength in 2011 and has most recently October

43 expanded into Limerick, Clare and Kerry. The project continues to be managed by Macroom E and supported by the Environmental Protection Agency,, Cork City Council and Cork County & City Enterprise Boards. The EPA is also funding the initiative which has allowed the project to expand outside of Cork. Over 1000 business members are registered Local Authority Prevention Network The Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) is a key component of the EPA-led National Waste Prevention Programme, for continuing to build capacity in Local Authorities for the promotion of resource efficiency and waste prevention at a local and grassroots level for the benefit of their localities. This programme promotes a strong commitment to waste prevention both at EU and national policy level. Local Authorities currently participating in the Network are well placed to meet any commitments likely to arise from these policies. In addition, Local Authorities have unique opportunities through development and planning control functions to influence the nature and design of local development, such that it meets best practice from the perspective of ecoefficiency (clean technology, waste prevention & minimisation, as well as water and energy efficiency). In order for any prevention programme to be successful, it is essential to employ both a topdown and a bottom-up approach. Top-down leadership is needed to ensure national commitment and a consistent and unified approach. It can also supply valuable funding mechanisms. The EPA s National Waste Prevention Programme supported and delivered at local level by the LAPN is already successfully fulfilling this function. The LAPN model is predominantly a bottom-up approach, in line with the tenets of Local Agenda 21 where it facilitates action on the ground. Prevention needs to be embedded in the community, and Local Authorities are ideally placed to ensure this. The projects and actions of the LAPN are examples of synergy between different EPA programmes. Examples of these synergies include cooperation between LAPN participants and EPA programmes and schemes like the Green Hospitality, Green Healthcare, Stop Food Waste, Green Festivals, and Green Business programmes. These schemes build up a true prevention network which can tap into the various EPA resources and tools. It would be much harder for Local Authorities to roll out such programmes solely from outside this LAPN network. has been actively involved in the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) programme since Appendix 1 provides a summary of the metrics and deliverables of the LAPN programme in Cork County. It has since then developed and completed successful waste prevention and resource efficiency initiatives at all Sectoral levels. Case studies developed by are available on the following initiatives: Case study 1. Municipal swimming pools ( ). A waste prevention and environmental awareness training initiative carried out at 3 Cork County Council owned swimming pools located in Fermoy and Mallow in North Cork, October

44 and Dunmanway in West Cork. The target audience included pool users, predominantly school children, and also the Council s staff working at these locations. Solid waste prevention, energy & water conservation measures were investigated and implemented, mainly in Mallow & Fermoy. Improvements in environmental awareness amongst staff and pool customers, in particular students, were achieved in Dunmanway. Significant savings were made on water usage, and recycling & solid waste prevention steps were implemented. A 7 % reduction in solid waste per swim was achieved [13 g/swim]. Energy audits identified short, medium and long term improvements - the short and medium term improvements are being implemented currently. A benchmark of kwh/customer/year was calculated. Total energy consumption was reduced by 83,544 kwh. At the end of the 2 year project the pools achievement were as such:- Summary of deliverables at Municipal pools a. Mallow Pool Carbon dioxide emissions to be reduced by 106 tons and savings of 16,652 targeted. The energy rating for the pool building from D2 to D1. A benchmark of kwh/customer/year was calculated. 7 % reduction in solid waste per swim was achieved [13 g/swim] and this reduction will improve further when waste prevention and recycling practices are maintained. A 30% drop in daily usage of water was achieved from an average of 24m 3 /day in 2008 to 18 m 3 /day in b. Fermoy Pool Carbon dioxide emissions to be reduced by 20K tons following installation of geothermal heating. An additional 5 tons is targeted in the area of vending machines and PIR sensors. The energy rating for the pool building has improved from D1 (2007) to C 2 (2010) A benchmark of 11.7 kwh/customer/year was calculated 215 kg of waste was diverted from landfill in 2008, first year of project. With the assistance of this waste prevention project solid waste was reduced from 9.6 to 5.8 g/ swim. Water savings usage decreased from an average of 15 m 3 /day in 2008 to 11 m 3 /day in 2010 Case study 2; Ecobusiness & Corporate Initiative ( ). s Environmental Awareness Unit in partnership with South & East Cork Area Development Ltd implemented a resource efficiency programme in the East Cork region. The aim of the programme is to encourage SMEs & Public Sector employees to improve environmental performances in the course of their businesses. The programme also targeted volunteer groups involved in Midleton Food festival & traders & the general public. A Greening Your Events Guide 2012 was developed by the LAPN group and it is expected that all events will use this guide when liken to sponsorship grants. October

45 a) Initiatives involving Corporate & Public buildings Five public buildings located in East Cork & County Hall participated in waste prevention programmes: Waste, water and energy audits were carried out on each building. An Action Plan was prepared for each building to reduce solid waste, conserve water and energy. During European Week for Waste Reduction November 2010, an exhibit of the Stop Food Waste National campaign was held in Midleton library. Photo. Launch of Ecobusiness initiative b) Assistance to local business in East Cork A series of training workshops for business were held in East Cork. The workshops, given by a range of technical experts in the field of solid waste prevention, energy & water conservation, environmental legislation, were very well attended. SME s in Little Island, Midleton, Cobh, Glanmire, Youghal participated. In , the workshops were expanded to North & West Cork. c) Be Green Festivals initiative with Midleton Food Festival Committee. This is an annual event steered by a voluntary festival committee & supported by SCEAD & Midleton Town Council. LAPN s aim is to implement sustainable practices which will be implemented repeatedly. Consultation, advice & assistance were given to the traders, festival organisers & Town Council staff over a two festival period. The following achievements have been noted: 50% of stallholders implemented sustainable practices in year 1, increasing to 90 % participation in year 2. October

46 Waste generated during the course of the one day street festival was properly separated, with the recovery of recycling & food waste. For each 1 kg of waste generated 0.23 kg was categorised as compostable (23%), 0.16 kg was recyclable waste (16%), 0.61 kg was directed to landfill (61%). This demonstrated a considerable improvement on the 100% solid waste previously going to landfill. To engage the public, banners displaying green messages were displayed at the entrance & along the Main Street. Environmental art performances were held through the day. Fota Wildlife Park East Cork is participating in the LAPN resource efficiency programme supported by EARU section. This initiative also prepares Fota for the An Taisce s accredited Green Eco campus award [2012]. It will be the first Zoo in Ireland to receive this eco campus award. Waste & water audits were conducted throughout the Wildlife Park. An environmental improvement Plan with recommendations was prepared by the EARU and excellent progress has been made to date. Fota participated as a LAPN partner in the 2011 European Waste Week. A major public awareness event was held on November 26 th 2011 in the Park organized by the EARU section. The Park has achieved a recycling rate of > 50% in 18 months. Photo: 2012 Recycling, landfill & food waste are now segregated at Fota WLP. Case Study 3 Corporate Initiatives Prior to the Council s involvement in LAPN, between a pilot initiative Action at Work initiative was launched with County Hall staff, Charleville Area Office staff and Youghal Town Council participating in this pilot study. The initiative targeted October

47 paper reduction, phasing out of non- reusable batteries, reduction in use of ink cartridges. An energy conservation talk & / internet awareness campaigns supported the initiative. Photo. Compost demo for County Hall staff. In 2011, s machinery yard staff participated in the preparation of saving money through improved performances in garages & machinery yard depots Additional Corporate events. a) Water conservation awareness campaign was held in all public building in March 2011 to mark World Water Day. b) A Composting Demonstration was held in April 2011 at County Hall. c) Reuse of clothes. A number of collections for used clothes, toys and unused presents from Council staff are organised in association with local charities. d) The Council s civic amenity site participates in Christmas collection of soft toys from the public. e) A pilot initiative involving the reuse of household goods was located in Millstreet Civic Amenity Site between The pilot was a great success with the public and in the extension of lifecycle of used household goods. The centre operating from April handled > 17,800 items and > 2,600 users. The model was mirrored on similar reuse service offered by Wicklow County Council. The operation of a repeat service should be undertaken in partnership with a local charity who could man the day to day operation of a reuse centre. f) Series of lectures for staff on resource efficiency & climate change October

48 Case Study 4 Be Green Marina initiative Two marinas in West Cork are piloting the Local Authority Waste Prevention Programme Clean Marinas Initiative. These are Baltimore Harbour & Sherkin Island, a privately owned marina which commenced in Autumn The initiative aims at introducing sustainable and best environmental practices for boat users. An educational awareness programme will be prepared and implemented targeting all persons connected with the use of the Marinas. The long term intention would be to assist the Marinas in achieving a Blue Flag status. The programme has continued into Health Service Executive The Dispose of Unused Medicines Properly (DUMP) campaign is organized by the HSE with the community pharmacists in Cork City & County and is financially supported by Cork City Council & County Council. More than 200 pharmacies participate in the campaign from February March every year. It actively encourages people to return unwanted or out of date medicines to them so that they can be disposed of safely and properly. Approximately 3692 kg were diverted from landfill through this initiative in National Progress Ireland has been a pioneer on the prevention front, having established a National Waste Prevention Programme 5 years before EU legislation made it a legal requirement. A number of outstanding initiatives and programmes already exist. Stemming from a study in 2003, Assessment and Development of Waste Prevention Framework for Ireland, a core prevention team was established within the Environmental Protection Agency. This led to the launch of the National Prevention Programme (NWPP) in The programme is considered best practice internationally and many of the initiatives have received favourable mention in various reports, including OECD Environmental Performance review as well as EU Consultancy Reports. Since 2004, it has initiated many innovative programmes, covering the fields of business, healthcare, hospitability, Local Authorities and consumers. In particular, the following initiatives are examples of prevention programmes: October

49 Table 4.2: Provides a description of the initiatives Initiative Focus Description Local Authorities Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) Financial & Technical Assistance to Local Authorities for local prevention programmes Green Business Business Resource efficiency assistance to business Green Hospitality Business Training Technical Assistance and benching marking to the Hospitality Sector Green Healthcare Public Bodies Resource Efficiency assessments, benchmarks and guidance to the Healthcare Sector StopFoodWaste Communities & Local Authorities Information, events, training and promotion of food waste reduction and composting to communities The National Waste Prevention Programme has published its 7 th Annual Report, in respect of 2011, and it is clear that considerable progress has been made in certain areas eg the Green Hospitality Award gave a 12 to 1 return on investment. As far as Local Authorities are concerned, the LAPN is clearly the most relevant and important. Over the past 5 years the programme has successfully developed this capacity for implementing prevention projects locally across the Country and has demonstrated that Local Authorities can design and implant effective local integrated waste prevention programmes and projects. However, those authorities involved in the programme, are also active in many other fields (particularly StopFoodWaste, Green Healthcare and Greening of Business) Local Authority Progress has made huge strides in the area of waste prevention since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in 2004 as outlined earlier in this chapter. To date has made its achievements in waste prevention through the policy objectives and actions set out in Chapters 2 and 7 of the Waste Management Plan including the following: Action 1 Environmental Auditing Scheme for Schools This has been ongoing for a number of years, and will be continued. The scheme is now affiliated to the National and EU-wide Green Schools programme. Action 2 Green Fáilte Award for Hotels..The Green Fáilte Award concept has been expanded significantly. It is run in conjunction with Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork City Council. The project is sponsored by a number of companies and supported by the relevant hospitality associations. October

50 Dissemination brochures and training materials have been prepared and delivered, and an audit process is underway. To date, 14 hotels, 3 catering facilities, and 1 holiday village are participating in the scheme. will continue to promote and support it. Action 3 Other Award Schemes. wishes to promote award schemes, such as Green Schools and Green Fáilte, in other sectors. The Council will investigate suitable sectors in this regard. Candidates include shops and supermarkets, offices, public houses, garages, etc. Action 4 Local Sustainable Region Pilot Project.This concept aims at developing a truly sustainable regional economy. It is a development stemming from the EcoCork project and the Macroom e project which will continue to support. The overall objective is that Macroom will become a model for all regional development including internationally. The project is based on the following action strands: Macroom e Environmental Industrial park (EIP). This is a truly innovative concept, requiring participating businesses to adopt sound environmental practices, and ensuring a high standard of sustainability in the erection of buildings. Proper management schemes and shared resources are promoted. Zero Waste and Emissions (ZEW) project. This is run in conjunction with the Clean Technology Centre at Cork Institute of Technology. The project promotes good practices and networking at both the business and community level. Sets of tools have been developed and tested, which assess all aspects relating to sustainable development in business and to, pinpoint areas for improvement. Companies are encouraged to network and to share solutions. Further measures will be developed to involve all stakeholders in the area, and to help regeneration both economically and environmentally. Waste Exchange. Stemming from the ZEW project a Waste exchange will be set up. This is closely allied to the Civic Amenity Site and the Macroom e EIP. Action 5 Prevention Training Programme for Licensees During the time-span of the 1999 plan, commissioned the production of a Prevention Guidance Document and a training course for its licensees. Personnel from some 30 companies received training. It is planned to repeat and to expand this process during the course of the next plan. Action 6 Green Procurement Policy and Environmental Management for A green procurement policy document has been produced, and implementation has begun. This will be further expanded. In conjunction with this the County Council will pilot the implementation of an Environmental Management System initially within the Environment Department. In conjunction with the above a waste audit and prevention plan for will be developed. Action 7 Prevention and Environmental Education Officer The Council will seek to employ staff to act in the areas of awareness and education. The functions of this role are as follows: engaging with business promoting prevention in responsibility for information flow training in prevention for Council regional personnel October

51 Action 8 Cork Environmental Forum This forum, established in response to Local Agenda 21 responsibilities, has been very active and successful. The Council will continue to support it and to broaden its base (regionally, functionally, and participant cross-section). Action 9 Co-operation with Cork City Council The County Council will continue such cooperation. One example is the participation of the two authorities in the Green Fáilte award scheme. Action 10 Development of Improved Data Collection System for Waste.In order to measure prevention and to set realistic programmes, it is necessary to know the quantities of waste generated (true arisings). This is also, of course, relevant to a range of environmental issues. Cork County Council will, therefore, review the current data collection methodology for strengths and weaknesses, and will seek to develop an improved information gathering process. Action 45 Minimising Disposal.. will endeavour to reduce the quantity of waste for final disposal. This will be done in the first instance by making every effort to prevent and minimise waste arisings and secondly by recovering as much waste as possible. In accordance with the policy document published by the Department of Environment and Local Government entitled Changing Our Ways 50% of overall household waste should be diverted from landfill and a minimum of 65% reduction in biodegradable wastes consigned to landfill should be achieved by the year In addition final disposal is the least desirable choice on the Waste Management Hierarchy. Action 59 Packaging Prevention/Minimisation.. will take the initiative in promoting prevention and minimisation of excess and unnecessary packaging of products, by targeting and educating both consumers and producers. The Council will continue to work with supermarkets in a pro-active way, by providing information on alternatives to packaged goods at point of sale. Action 62 Public Awareness..Particular emphasis will be placed on the prevention and minimisation of waste packaging at source. The recovery of packaging waste by utilising the bring sites and civic amenity sites will also be encouraged. This will be facilitated using the 20/20 Vision News. In addition, more proactive public awareness measures will be explored and implemented as appropriate. Action 65 Partnerships. will continue to actively promote the formation of litter control partnerships with organisations and individuals throughout the county in order to fight against the ever-present problem of litter pollution. Action 66 Attitudes. will continue its drive to maintain a publicity campaign specifically designed to influence the people of County Cork, to change their attitudes towards litter. Action 71 Hazardous Waste Collection.In as far as is possible,, in partnership with Cork City Council, Cara Waste Management Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd, Pfizer, Pharmacia, Glazosmithklline, Eli Lilly and Schering-Plough will continue to operate a programme for the collection and recycling of household hazardous waste. The collections of household hazardous waste, which have operated for some time, is a great success with the quantity of waste continuing to grow as is the awareness of the issue. October

52 Action 72 Education/Promotional Activities. will continue to educate the public and small producers of hazardous waste. Brochures aimed at small business and garages and service stations have been produced in order to educate and inform businesses of their roles and responsibilities in relation to hazardous wastes. Action 75 Co operation with the Prevention Team of the Environmental Protection Agency will co operate fully with the Prevention Team, when established, with respect to that Prevention Programme. will promote the targets of the Prevention Team which are that: There will no increase in hazardous waste disposal over 1996 quantities and; There will be elimination of unreported hazardous waste. 4.3 RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS National Waste Policy- A Resource Opportunity- published in July 2012 The new waste management policy A Resource Opportunity Waste Management Policy in Ireland published in July 2012 puts forward the following measures and actions in relation to waste prevention: 1. The EPA will be requested to focus on resource efficiency, prevention and reuse and the development of co-ordinated approaches with other State Agencies. 2. Local Authorities will be required to priorities waste prevention in the development of new regional waste plans and in the implementation of measures with local businesses and community groups. In addition all Local Authorities will be expected to participate in the Local Authority Waste Prevention Demonstration Programme. 3. Ireland will work at a European Level to secure EU-wide engagement with large scale international producers in relation to product design. 4. All current and future producer responsibility schemes will be required to formulate, implement and demonstrate waste prevention and reuse initiatives for their particular waste stream. 5. The rate of the Plastic Bag levy is to be continued to be reviewed. 6. The existence and application of economic instruments will be further examined as part of monitoring of the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive to support the management of waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy. Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and Waste Directive Transposition Regulations SI No 126 of 2011 Since 2005, there have been significant legislative and policy developments in the area of waste minimisation and prevention at both EU and National level. At EU level the overarching legislation is the EU Directive on Waste 2008/98/EC. The Directive establishes that waste October

53 prevention should be the first priority of waste management. Prevention under the Directive means measures taken before a substance, material or product becomes a waste. Another important aspect of the Directive is its realization that the whole product life-cycle should be considered when applying prevention. Article 29 of the Directive details numerous requirements in relation to National Waste Prevention Programmes. In turn, the Waste Directive Transposition Regulations SI No 126 of 2011 make it a legal requirement for Local Authorities to provide for prevention measures in their Regional Waste Management Plans. Under Regulation 13 of the Transposition Regulations SI No 126 of 2011 waste prevention programmes are required to be prepared. Key aspects of the legislative provisions are requirements to: Establish waste prevention objectives Determine specific qualitative and quantitative benchmarks and assessing progress of waste prevention measures Adopt specific qualitative or quantitative targets and indicators as may be established by the European Commission Consider addition specific qualitative or quantitative targets and indicators as may be appropriate 4.4 ASSESSMENT In Cork County waste prevention up to 2007 had focused on schools via the Green Flag programme and home composting. A limited number of initiatives with industry business were undertaken. Since, 2007 a significant drive in promoting waste prevention has gained momentum and is supported by the National EPA s programme Local Authority Prevention Network & Be Green initiatives. The legislative requirements in Article 29 of the Directive are significant and place requirements on the Local Authorities to integrate the National Waste Prevention Programme into either the waste management plan or into other environmental policy programmes, as appropriate, or shall function as separate programmes. Any revised plan must adopt the new waste hierarchy which places waste prevention on top. The plan should set out waste prevention objectives & specific qualitative or quantitative benchmarks for waste prevention measures adopted. Resource Efficiency Programmes under the Green Business Initiative and those under the Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) should be developed County wide. Waste prevention initiatives & programmes should be integrated into the environmental policy programmes [EPA s -Be Green National programmes & An Taisce s Green Schools programme] & regulatory programmes i.e. licensing / permitting. October

54 Local initiatives developed by / City Council & Enterprise Boards require strengthening. The SMILE [The Saving Money through Industry Links and Exchanges Project] is an excellent example of how to divert waste from landfill. The pilot programme aims to offer businesses an opportunity to exchange resources, by-products and to generate partnerships. The aim of this industrial symbiosis initiative is to save businesses money and divert waste from landfill through the creating of business networks that reuse each other s surplus products, byproducts and reusable items and also share services and logistics. 4.5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION The role out of resource efficiency and waste prevention programmes will have positive & beneficial impacts on the environment. The diversion of waste from landfill will assist with meeting our EU & national obligations. The promotion of reuse, will extend the life span of goods in circulation and drive down the requirement for replacements. In turn the benefits from the reduced transportation of goods, associated lower emissions & less green house gas emissions will be achieved. 4.6 RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the key policy objectives for waste prevention and minimization are replaced to better reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste) Regulations, when they come into effect, are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy. October

55 5 HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT 5.1 AIM The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a household waste management perspective the policies/ actions in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 aim to decrease the amount of household waste being sent to landfill and consequently increase the rate of recycling. The aim is to increase the amount of waste collected and recycled through the provision of an integrated management system of segregated kerbside collection, bring banks and civic amenity sites/ recycling centres. 5.2 ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in 2004, household waste arisings have increased in the functional area of. Approximately 170,660 tonnes of household waste was generated in the County in Household waste is defined as waste produced within the curtilage of a building or self-contained part of a building used for the purposes of living accommodation Waste Generation Table 5.1 below lists the breakdown of household waste arising in the Cork County in 2010 compared to that in 2002 and It is important to note that the method of reporting the waste collected per household changed in the intervening period between 2002 & With regards to the 2002 data this was calculated using the number of households reported in the 2002 census while for the 2007 data it was calculated using the number of occupied houses recorded in the 2006 census. Again there has been a significant improvement in the quality of data collected between 2007 and Table 5.1: Household Waste Arisings in Cork County in 2002, 2007 and 2010 Source 2002 Note Note Note 3 Total Arisings (t) 119, , ,660 Waste Per Household Note Waste per capita Note Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme Note 4: October

56 From 2002 census: Population was 324,767 and number of households was 105,248 From 2006 census: Population was 361,877 and number of households was 125,865 From 2011 census: Population was 399,802 and number of occupied households was 145, Waste Management Household Waste arising in Cork County is collected, treated and disposed of through an integrated system comprising of kerbside collections, bring banks, civic amenity sites and home composting. There is a large network of bring banks (151 no) and civic amenity sites (11 no) operated by the Council within Cork County. Quantities of managed and uncollected waste being generated in 2002, 2007 & 2010 are set out in Table 5.2 hereunder. Table 5.2: Quantities of Collected and Uncollected Household Waste in Cork County 2002 Note Note Note 3 Managed (Tonnes) Uncollected (Tonnes) Managed (Tonnes) Uncollected (Tonnes) Managed (Tonnes) Uncollected (Tonnes) 99,318 20, ,409 12, ,062 43,598 Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme Kerbside Collection Collection of household waste in Cork County is carried out by private collectors since the Autumn of 2010 as existed the household waste collection market at that time. Table 5.3 presents the breakdown of kerbside Mixed Residual Waste (MRW) and Mixed Dry Recyclables (MDR) collected in Cork County in 2007 and A separate kerbside collection of household municipal solid waste (MSW) had been implemented across the entire functional area of in MDR was also collected at the Civic Amenity Sites (CAS) and Bring Banks (BBs) provided by and this is discussed further in Sections & Table 5.3 Kerbside collection of MRW and MDR in Cork County 2007 and 2010 MDR (t) MRW (t) Collection 2007 Note Note Note Note 2 Tonnage 24,135 29,576 50,244 62,343 Note 1: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 2: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme October

57 Table 5.4 provides a review of available collection data in The data shows that 100% of all serviced households have a dry recyclable collection service. The high level of uncollected waste would indicate that it is unlikely that the policy objectives/actions and targets have been met as designed. Table 5.4 Kerbside Collection and Coverage in Cork County in 2010 Combined Private & Local Authority Collection Services 2 Bin Market Penetration 3 Bin Market Penetration Occupied Households Households Un-serviced Occupied Households Uncollected Waste 100% 0% 145,448 33% 43,598 Source: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, EPA National Report 2010 Uncollected waste was calculated by subtracting the amount of waste composted at home, the conventional bin type household waste brought to bring banks, civic amenity sites (other than glass, bulky waste, some wood, C & D waste and WEEE), as well as that brought to landfills (including fly tipped) from the amount of waste generated by households and not collected at kerbside. The EPA notes in its National Waste Report for 2010 that it plans to further improve the method by which uncollected waste is assessed and also to take account of new developments such as the increasing practice of pay-by-use waste compactors, as well as better estimates of bin sharing arrangements. With respect to the alleged quantity of uncollected waste within Cork County the Council is of the opinion that it appears to be rather high based on the amount of illegal dumping and back yard burning evident across the County Civic Amenity Sites (CAS) In 2003 there was a network of five fully operational CAS located across Cork County. These were located at Rossmore, Youghal, Derryconnell, Raffeen and Macroom and accepted the following waste types: paper and cardboard, glass, aluminium cans, textiles, timber, plastic packaging, batteries, cooking oil, motoring oil, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), green waste and scrap metal as well as household MRW. Action 38 of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) stated that at least five new sites will be provided in the next five years. By 2007 the Council had developed a network of nine CAS within Cork County with the additional facilities having been developed at Bandon, Millstreet, Clonakilty, and Castletownbere, respectively. has been the recipient of of Repak Recycling Awards for its Civic Amenity Sites including Best WEEE and Waste Battery Recycling Event of the Year and overall October

58 Winner of the Repak Best Bring Bank The Tidy Towns Report makes reference every year to one or more of the Councils Civic Amenity Sites as being a well kept and maintained. Since 2009 the Council has developed an additional 2 facilities at Kanturk and Mallow, respectively. Table 5.5 hereunder sets out the waste streams that were collected at the Council s Civic Amenity Sites in 2002, 2007 and 2010 respectively. Table 5.5: Comparison of municipal waste materials collected at CAS Sites in Cork County in 2002, 2007 and 2010 Waste Description Quantity Collected (t) 2002 Note Note Note 3 Batteries Beverage cans and food tins Bulky Waste 694 C & D Waste 1, Fluorescent Tubes 5 Glass ,479 1,046 Green Waste 512 2,234 1,313 Household Hazardous 89 0 Metal 604 1,407 1,172 MDR 402 Paint & Varnish 73.3 Paper/ Cardboard ,075 1,897 Plastic 2.1 1, Residual 6,555 4,984 Silage Plastic 2,115 Textiles Timber 708 1,981 1,547 Waste Cooking Oil Waste Mineral Oil WEEE , Other 40 0 Total 2, ,208 15,018 Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme As part of Action 38 of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) it was stated that these Civic Amenity Sites would serve to collect waste commonly collected at bring sites, but also bulky wastes such as electrical appliances, tyres and large garden wastes etc. Household hazardous waste such as batteries, waste oil, paint tins etc are also collected at these facilities. October

59 Bring Banks (BBs) Photo of a Civic Amenity Site Action 34 of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) stated that will develop at least 10 Bring Sites per year to 2009, for public use. There were 133 Bring Banks located throughout Cork County at the time of publication of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004). These were principally serviced by Rehab, Ipodec, West Cork Glass, Indaver and Green Dragon on behalf of and accepted glass bottles/jars, beverage cans, paper/cardboard and plastic. The number of bring banks provided within the curtilage of Cork County peaked at 188 in 2005 before being reduced to 151 currently. The reasons for the decision to reduce the number and type of Bring Banks provided were two fold: The roll out of separate kerbside collection of household waste provided for the collection of MDRs, and in some cases glass; Problems associated with illegal dumping/ mistreatment at certain Bring Bank sites necessitated their removal. Photo of Bring Site The collection of paper/cardboard and plastic at Bring Banks was phased out during 2007 for similar reasons as aforementioned with the exception of the Bring Banks located at October

60 Dunmanway and Skibbereen. Therefore in the main Bring Banks currently only accept glass bottles/jars, beverage cans, textiles. Table 5.6 hereunder provides a comparison of municipal waste materials collected at bring banks in Cork County in 2002 and 2007 and Table 5.6 Comparison of municipal waste materials collected at BBs in Cork County in 2002, 2007 and Waste Description Quantity Collected (t) 2002 Note Note Note 3 Paper/Cardboard 3, , Glass 3,232 7,569 6,776 Beverage Cans + Food Tins Plastic Textiles - 1,735 Total 6, ,795 7,372 Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme Table 5.7 provides a breakdown of the various waste streams collected at Civic Amenity Sites and Bring Banks in the County in Table 5.7 Quantity of materials accepted at Civic Amenity Sites and Bring Banks in 2010 Waste Description Quantity Collected (t) CAS Bring Banks Total Batteries Beverage cans and food tins Bulky Waste C & D Waste Fluorescent Tubes Glass 1,046 6,776 7,822 Green Waste 1,313 1,313 Household Hazardous 0 0 Metal 1,172 1,172 MDR Paint & Varnish Paper/ Cardboard 1, ,139 Plastic Residual 4,984 4,984 Silage Plastic Textiles Timber 1,547 1,547 Waste Cooking Oil Waste Mineral Oil WEEE Other 0 0 Total 15,018 7,372 22,390 Source: EPA National Report 2010 October

61 5.2.4 Waste Recycling Rate When the total quantity of MRW and MDRs collected via the kerbside collection service the CAS network and the BB network in 2010, refer to Table 5.8 hereunder, was collated and analysed it was found that an overall household recycling rate of 43% was achieved in Cork County. This is a significant improvement on the 8.9% recycling/recovery rate reported for 2002 but a dis-improvement with the recycling rate achieved in Table 5.8: Recycling Rate for Household Waste 2002 and 2010 Recycling waste collected Household Waste Arising (t) 2002 Note Note Note 3 119, , ,660 Uncollected Waste (t) 20,459 12,944 43,598 Managed Household Waste (t) 99, , ,062 Mixed Residual Waste 90,459 50,244 68,021 (t) Other bulky waste 4,330 collected- disposed (t) Mixed Dry Recyclables 24,135 29,576 (t) Bring Banks (t) 6, ,795 7,372 Civic Amenity Sites* (t) Other bulky waste collected- recovered (t) Home Composting (estimate) (t) 2, ,208 12,286 4,330 1,330 1,146 Total Recycled (t) 8,859 61,468 54,711 % Recycled Total Recovered 56,017 % Recovered 44 Total Disposed 90,459 50,244 71,044 % Disposed Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme * Residual Waste accepted at Civic Amenity Sites is taken account of in the Mixed Residual Waste October

62 5.2.5 Waste Charges The Government Policy document Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change (2002) recognised that waste charges should be based on usage i.e. polluter-pays principle. This was further emphasised in the subsequent policy document Waste Management: Taking Stock and Moving Forward (April 2004). inserted a condition in relevant waste collection permits reviewed or issued after January 2006 which required the implementation of a pay-by-use charging system where a permit holder was involved in the kerbside collection of household MSW. This condition states that the permit holder shall operate a system of Pay by Use from households serviced within Cork County and resulted in the introduction, by waste collectors, of one of two charging systems, namely pay-by weight or pay-by-volume. The former incorporates a flat annual charge supplemented by a set charge per kilogram of MRW collected and had, in 2007, been introduced by the Council and two private operators while the other private operators charged a set rate dependent on the volume of wheelie bin supplied. The charge for the collection of the MDR is incorporated into the charging structure under both regimes. existed the waste collection market in the Autumn of It would appear that there are more waste collection companies operating a pay-by-use charging system for the collection of household waste than a pay by weight charging system. Research undertaken by the Council has shown that a lower level of contamination of MDR is experienced under the pay-by weight regime Household Hazardous Waste, in conjunction with Cork City Council and a number of sponsors had, since 2002, provided a mobile service (Chemcar) free of charge for the collection of hazardous household waste throughout the county. There were approximately 25 collections per annum and wastes accepted included: cleaning agents, batteries & accumulators, paints, inks, adhesives, resins, waste oils, pesticides and herbicides, waste medicines, waste cosmetics, fluorescent tubes, energy saving lights and thermometers. Both Cork City Council and decided to discontinue the Chemcar service in At the time of introduction, the Chemcar was the only option open to householders who wished to dispose of household hazardous waste in the correct manner. However, now householders can dispose of household hazardous materials properly in Local Authority run Civic Amenity Sites / Recycling Centres located throughout the City and County and medicines through the Health & Safety Authority DUMP (Dispose of Unused Medicines Properly) campaign. October

63 5.2.7 National Progress National Statistics National statistics on household waste collection and management are compiled by the EPA on an annual basis and presents the most up to date information on household waste generation and management within Ireland. The reported quantity of household waste managed by the waste industry in Ireland decreased by 5% in 2010 from that reported for 2009, to 1,420,706 tonnes. The quantity of managed household waste recovered increased from 29.5% in 2009 to 40.6 % in Table 5.9 provides the EPA National Indicators for household waste from 2003 to Table 5.9: Indicators for Household Waste from 2003 to 2010 Household Waste Indicator Household 1,416,862 1,500,780 1,543,468 1,773,242 1,625,490 1,556,879 1,498,469 1,420,706 Waste Managed (t) Household Waste Managed/ person (t) Household waste 1,704,844 1,728,154 1,746,408 1,978,716 1,761,167 1,677,338 1,626,469 1,686,387 generated (t) Household waste generated/person (t) Disposal of 1,231,109 1,214,908 1,198,504 1,379,246 1,200,980 1,155,567 1,056, ,842 household waste to landfill (t) Residual Household Waste disposal/ person (landfill) (t) Disposal rate for 87% 81% 78% 78% 74% 74% 71% 59% household waste Recovery of 185, , , , , , , ,864 household waste (t) Recovery rate for household waste 13% 19% 22% 22% 26% 26% 30% 41% Source: EPA National Waste Report 2010 and previous years The data on number of households served with a collection service comes from the Annual Returns of waste collection permit operators. The EPA has identified some anomalies in the reported number of of households on a waste collection service. In 2010 an estimated 29% of occupied houses did not avail of, October

64 or were not offered a kerbside collection service (ranging from 2% to 63% across some local authority areas). Allowing for local arrangements uncollected household waste was estimated at 265,681t for Local Authority Progress has made significant progress within the County since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004) in managing its household waste. In comparing national figures with local figures for 2010 compares well as set out in table 5.10 hereunder with respect to Disposal and Recovery rates. Table 5.10: Comparison of National and Local Household Waste Indicators 2010 Household Waste National Note 1 Note 2 Indicator Household Waste Managed 1,420, ,061 (t) Household Waste Managed/ person (t) Household waste 1,686, ,660 generated (t) Household waste generated/person (t) Disposal of household waste 843,842 71,044 to landfill (t) Residual Household Waste disposal/person (landfill) (t) Disposal rate for 59% 56% household waste Recovery of 576,864 51,688 household waste (t) Recovery rate for household waste 41% 44% Note 1: EPA National Waste Report 2010 and previous years Note 2: Local Authority National Waste Returns 2010, Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Compliance scheme To date has achieved it collection and recycling household waste rates through the policy objectives and actions as set out in Chapters 2 and 7 of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 including the following: Action 12 Value for Money will continue to gather accurate data regarding household and commercial waste generation and collection. The council will endeavour to aggregate the data collected from each region (North, South and West) for analysis. These procedures will include: details of direct and indirect costs; number of tonnes collected; October

65 number of bin lifts; number of properties serviced; and number of outdoor staff. The following performance indicators will then be produced annually: average cost per tonne collected; average cost per employee; average cost per property serviced; cost per bin lift; tonnage collected per property; tonnage collected per employee; and number of properties serviced per employee. The next compilation of data will take place in March Action 15 Expansion of Services - to continue to meet the collection requirements of the expanding housing sector, ensuring the provision of a private/public waste collection service to all households where possible. Action 17 Pay-by-Weight Charges.. to continue its roll-out in South Cork of the new payby-weight system already in place in West and North Cork to address the imbalance in the waste quantities generated per household and will encourage the expansion of pay-by-weight to the private collectors. Action 20 Waste Transfer Stations will continue its construction programme for transfer stations to aid the efficient collection of waste in the County. These will be located at Castletownbere (already constructed), Clonakilty (almost complete), Mallow, Bantry, Fermoy, Kanturk/Millstreet/Macroom area and Skibbereen/Schull area. Action 25 Small Producers of Hazardous Waste..to assess the best method of collecting Hazardous Waste from small producers, in particular householders and commercial premises in accordance with the requirements of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Action 26 Waste Paper will continue with the provision of waste paper collection facilities at bring sites. The Council will endeavour to source markets for this waste stream and identify alternative uses for waste paper in general. It is paramount, that a market for recycled paper be cultivated and sustained. This may be done in several ways i.e. penalising users of paper made from virgin materials or alternatively, finding new outlets for used or recycled paper. As a Local Authority, the latter option is more viable for Cork County Council than the former, and efforts will be made in this area Action 28 Data Collection will endeavour to obtain accurate data for waste arising in the County, both through monitoring its own service and through the annual environmental reports of permitted collectors. Action 29 Separate Collection of BioWaste to establish a pilot scale study to investigate the feasibility of providing a separate collection system for biowaste. October

66 Action 30 Collection of Dry Recyclables.. to examined a number of systems for the collection of dry recyclables. Action 31 Waste Collection on the Islands..to work closely with the residents on the islands of West Cork to ensure that a satisfactory collection system is in place. The first meeting will take place in the second half of 2004 with at least one meeting per year taking place thereafter. Action 32 Recycling Targets.. to endeavour to reach the recycling targets set within the scope of the Government s policy documents Changing Our Ways and Delivering Change and those set within the scope of the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region. Action 34 Bring Sites up to to develop at least 10 Bring Sites per year to 2009, for public use..the Council will also endeavour to ensure that a bring site be established in conjunction with all new housing estates over a specified size. will further decide on the best terminology to be used to describe these sites, e.g. Recycling Centres, Bring Sites, etc. Action 35 Home Composting.. to continue efforts in encouraging households and schools to recycle their organic waste by composting it at source...the Council Directive on the Landfill of Waste requires that 65% of all biodegradable waste be diverted from landfill before This requirement is reiterated in the Department of the Environment and Local Government s Policy Statement on Waste Management entitled Changing Our Ways and, therefore, increased composting is necessary. Action 38 Civic Amenity Sites..to provide Civic Amenity Sites around Cork County which will complement other waste management facilities planned for the County..At least five new sites will be provided in the next five years. Action 41 Beverage Cans will promote the recovery of aluminium and other metals from beverage cans by encouraging the provision of beverage can banks at the Council s Bring Sites and Civic Amenity Sites. The Council will also recover this waste stream from the Materials Recovery Facility. Schools will also be encouraged to collect the cans as part of the Green Flag/Schools award scheme. Action 45 Minimising Disposal.. to endeavour to reduce the quantity of waste for final disposal. This will be done in the first instance by making every effort to prevent and minimise waste arisings and secondly by recovering as much waste as possible. In accordance with the policy document published by the Department of Environment and Local Government entitled Changing Our Ways 50% of overall household waste should be diverted from landfill and a minimum of 65% reduction in biodegradable wastes consigned to landfill should be achieved by the year Action 60 Bring Sites.Recovery of waste packaging will be encouraged through the allocation of additional bring sites around the Country, which will allow for the collection of dry recyclables Action 71 Hazardous Waste Collection In as far as is possible,, in partnership with Cork City Council, Cara Waste Management Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical October

67 Ltd, Pfizer, Pharmacia, Glazosmithklline, Eli Lilly and Schering-Plough to continue to operate a programme for the collection and recycling of household hazardous waste. Progress has been achieved in a number of the actions while other actions are no longer relevant since the Council existed the waste collection market service in the Autumn of The Council s bring bank network within the County provides a density of 1 per 963 households in The network of bring banks is complemented by the 11 Civic Amenity Sites operated by. The combined network of Civic Amenity Sites and Bring Banks has assisted in the current recycling rates being achieved within the County. The construction program pertaining to the Waste Transfer Stations / Civic Amenity Sites was reviewed and amended resulting in decisions being taken to move the location of one Transfer Station/Civic Amenity Site as well as discounting constructing some civic amenity sites after some consideration. The actions which relate to household waste/ biowaste and home composting are discussed in Chapter 7 of this document whilst the action pertaining to household hazardous waste/ packaging waste are discussed in Chapter 9. ensures that within its functional area national targets/directive derived targets are met as discussed earlier in the chapter as well as endeavouring to reduce the quantity of waste for disposal. The proportion of managed household waste recovered in County Cork in 2010 was estimated at 44% which exceeds the national average of 41%. The target set in Changing Our Ways (DECLG, 1998) is 50% diversion from landfill of managed household waste by the end of appears to be on track to meet the aforementioned diversion rate. 5.3 RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS National Waste Policy- A Resource Opportunity- published in July 2012 The new waste management policy A Resource Opportunity Waste Management Policy in Ireland published in July 2012 recognizes that the performance of the household waste collection market in particular will be crucial in achieving Ireland s overall policy objectives and meeting this country s targets on landfill diversion. The complex mix of environmental, economic and social issues which arise in connection with household waste collection have been examined in a detailed Regulatory Impact Analysis. The new approach to the regulation of household waste collection which has been decided on was informed by that Analysis. In this regard Household waste collection will be organized under an improved regulatory regime to address a number of problematic issues, including low rates of household participation and insufficient incentives for households to segregate waste. Waste collection companies will have to adhere to improved October

68 standards of service, incentivise households to segregate waste and be more transparent about their charging structures, while at the same time there will be an onus placed on households to show how they manage their waste in an environmentally acceptable manner. Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC From a household waste collection and recycling perspective key objectives of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) are defined in Article 11. Implementation for Member States includes: Taking measures to promote high quality recycling and to this end shall set up separate collections of waste where technically, environmentally and economically practicable and appropriate to meet the necessary standards of the relevant recycling sectors. Providing separate collection for paper, metals, plastics and glass by Taking the necessary measures to increase recycling of waste materials such as paper, metal, plastic and glass from households to a minimum of overall 50% by weight by Taking measures to encourage the separate collection of bio-waste with a view to the composting and digestion of bio-waste (Article 22). In addition Article 6 of the WFD entitled End of Waste Status allows certain specified wastes eg aggregrates, paper, glass, metal, tyres and textiles to cease to be waste once it complies with specified criteria. It should be noted that where a waste ceases to be a waste, it will also cease to be a waste for the purposes of recovery and recycling targets set out in national regulations Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations At a national level the Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations are significant in terms of household collection. The draft Regulations have indicated that authorised waste collectors will be required, as a minimum, to provide a separate collection service to households in large urban areas within a certain lead in time in the first instance and then to households in smaller agglomerations within a longer lead in time. In accordance with the National Policy published in July 2012 the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations will be published in September October

69 EPA Technical Guidance Document: Municipal Solid Waste- Pre-Treatment & Residuals Management The EPA Technical Guidance Document issued in 2009 has set the minimum acceptable standard for the pre-treatment of municipal solid waste accepted for landfilling or incineration. The minimum acceptable pre-treatment for MSW landfills would consist of a source separated collection system (2 bin or equivalent). For urban areas (>1,500 population) diversion or separate collection of biowaste (i.e. 3rd bin) is expected. Biological treatment of the residual black bin (from 2 or 3 bin collections) will in all likelihood be necessary in relation to achievement of the 2016 diversion/treatment obligation. If a 2 or 3 bin system is not available/availed of, the waste must be subject to adequate mechanical and biological treatment configured to achieve at least an equivalent (to a 3 bin system) landfill diversion/pre-treatment. Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 820 of 2007 & SI No 87 of 2008) These Regulations amend and replace the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2001 and set out procedures for the making of permit applications, public consultation, consideration by Local Authorities of submissions in relation to permit applications, and the grant, refusal and review of collection permits by Local Authorities. The Regulations now provide operators with the option of applying for a permit for specified regions or multi regions by means of a single application to a single Nominated Authority while also extending the time period for a collection permit from 2 to 5 years. The Regulations provided for conditions to be attached to collection permits specifying the requirements to be complied with in respect of the types and quantities of wastes collected and the place or places to which waste concerned may or shall be delivered for recovery or disposal. Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 821 of 2007 & SI No 86 of 2008) These Regulations amend and replace the Waste Management (Permit) Regulations 1998 and set out procedures for the making of permit and registration applications, public consultation, consideration by Local Authorities of submissions in relation to permit or registration applications, and the grant, refusal and review of facility permits and registration by Local Authorities. October

70 Waste Management (Registration of Brokers & Dealers) Regulations 2008 (SI No 113 of 2008) The purpose of these Regulations is to provide for a registration system of waste brokers and dealers who arrange for the shipment of waste to and from Ireland and also the passage of waste through the State. The regulations are necessary in order to comply with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 on shipments of waste and Directive 2006/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on waste. Waste Management (Landfill Levy) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 221 of 2012) These regulations originally came into effect under SI No. 86 of 2002 and imposed a landfill levy with effect from the 1 June 2002, at an initial rate of 15 per tonne of waste disposed of to landfill. There have been a number of revisions to these regulations since the adoption of Cork County Council s plan in The 2012 Regulations provided for an increase of the levy to 65 per tonne for each tonne of waste disposed of at authorised and unauthorised landfill facilities. The Regulations also removed the exemption from the levy for non-metallic residues arising from the shredding of end-of-life vehicles, white goods and other metal waste. Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 286 of 2009) The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations came into force in 2009 and strengthen the law against waste disposal by uncontrolled burning. Household waste cannot be disposed of by burning it within the curtilage or in any other part of the dwelling or burned by use of stoves or open fires. 5.4 ASSESSMENT The legislative requirements and targets relating to collection in Article 11 of the Directive are significant and place requirements on the local authorities to extend collection coverage as a whole. The viability of serving all householders, including rural households, needs to be considered and alternative solutions (technically, environmentally and economically suitable) for collection to these communities may need implementing. Similarly the Draft Food Regulations will require the rollout of separate organic waste collections to households across the County. The future for the acceptance of household mixed waste at Civic Amenity Sites will be restricted in keeping with the EPA s pre-treatment requirements and alternatives need to be designed. October

71 An increase in the landfill levy as provided for under Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2012 will affect both waste generation and waste management practices. However, an increase in the landfill levy is unlikely to affect significantly the behaviour of households generating waste and in particular BMW unless they face true pay-by-use pricing for waste management services. Landfill levy increases will not affect households daily waste management decisions unless pay-by-use pricing is fully implemented. needs to pursue a policy of increasing the amount of commercial and industrial waste that is collected in the County through information and promotion campaigns as well as continued enforcement of legislation. The Council needs to work more closely with the Off Shore Islands in relation to waste management and to include specific policy objectives within the plan taking account of the content of the West Cork Islands Integrated Strategy. 5.5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS The high percentage of uncollected waste across the County, has the potential to lead to increasing levels of illegal dumping and or backyard burning. From an environmental perspective, illegal dumping has possible implications for biodiversity, surface water and groundwater depending on where the dumping occurs. Similarly emissions from backyard burning have implications for air quality, climate, biodiversity, and human health. 5.6 RECOMMENDATION The evaluation indicates that the management of household waste is progressing well in terms of rates of recovery, recycling and disposal when compared to the national averages. However the 2010 data reveals that approx 27% of household waste generated in the County is currently not collected and that 33% of occupied houses either are not provided with or do not avail of a collection service. needs to pursue a policy of increasing the amount of household waste that is collected in the County. The Council needs to ensure that the bye laws pertaining to Pay to Use Receptacles are maintained. The bye laws ensure that the Service Provider provides a service for the separate presentation and recovery/disposal of both dry recyclables waste and residual waste at the sites. The dry recyclable capacity offered to Pay To Use Receptacles must be at least equal to the residual capacity offered. The Council needs to work more closely with the Off Shore Islands in relation to waste management and to include specific policy objectives within the plan taking account of the content of the West Cork Islands Integrated Strategy. October

72 The Council needs to include specific recycling targets in the plan to ensure that Cork County Council achieves the recycling rate of 50% by 2020 in line with the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive. The Council needs to make provision for the separate collection for paper, metals, plastics and glass by The County has a high number of Civic Amenity Facilities which play an important role in collecting household wastes although the continuation of this practice is uncertain in light of legislative changes. It is recommended that while some of the key policy objectives/actions of the waste plan remain relevant, consideration should be given to replacing other existing key policy objectives/actions as is no longer involved in the collection of waste in order to better reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations, when they come into effect, are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. October

73 6 COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY 6.1 AIM The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a commercial/ industrial waste management perspective the policies/actions in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 aim to decrease the amount of commercial/ industrial waste being sent to landfill and consequently increase the rate of recycling. 6.2 ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION Waste Collected From a data analysis point of view it can be difficult to differentiate between waste defined as commercial MSW (generated by commercial enterprises such as shops, offices, administration etc.) and that defined as industrial MSW (waste generated by industry) as much of the nonprocess waste generated by industries is similar to that generated in commerce and is collected by private or commercial waste operators. Such waste does not arise from the core process activity of industry but rather includes packaging, office waste, canteen waste etc. and hence is dealt with at the same facilities as municipal waste. For this reason the terminology commercial/industrial MSW was adopted to describe same. In addition, due to the nature of commercial/industrial waste collection and the method by which it is reported in the Annual Returns it was not possible to distinguish between waste arising in Cork County Council s functional area and that arising in Cork City Council s functional area. Therefore, for 2002 and 2007 data relating to commercial/industrial waste relates to Co. Cork as a whole (hereafter referred to as the Cork Region or the Region ) and not just to s functional area. The following tables ( ) set out the quantities of commercial/ industrial MSW and industrial waste collected in the Cork Region for 2002, 2007 and 2010 and in Cork County in October

74 Table 6.1: C& I MSW collected in the Cork Region in 2002, 2007 and 2010 and Cork County 2010 Waste Type C & I Waste Managed (Inc Hazardous) Municipal 2002(Cork 2007(Cork 2010 (Cork 2010 (Cork Region) Note 1 Region) Note 2 Region) Note 3 County) Note 3 96, , , ,751 4,489 14,084 42,474 41,941 Sludges Street Sweepings 6,040 14,014 7,244 Total 252, , ,936 Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 Table 6.2: Industrial Non Municipal Waste collected in the Cork Region in 2002, 2007 and 2010 and Cork County 2010 Waste Type 2002(Cork Region) Note (Cork Region) Note (Cork Region) Note (Cork County) Note 3 Ind Waste Non 438,403 47,204 46,033 Haz Ind Waste Haz 115,347 50,743 49,782 Ind Sludges 6,548 6,548 Total 321, , ,363 Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 Table 6.3: C& I MSW and Industrial Non Municipal Waste collected in the Cork Region in 2002, 2007 and 2010 and Cork County 2010 Source 2002(Cork Region) Note (Cork Region) Note (Cork Region) Note (Cork County) Note 3 Total Managed 654, , , ,299 Municipal 252, , ,936 Non Municipal 321, , ,363 Note 1: The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 presents waste statistics for Note 2: A review of The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 in 2009 presents waste statistics for 2007 Note 3: Local Authority e-aer system 2010, Waste Recovery & Recycling For the purposes of this evaluation, it has been assumed that separately collected commercial/industrial MSW is recycled. In 2010, there was a total of 258,299 tonnes of C&I waste collected in Cork County. The recovered portion of commercial/ industrial MSW (excluding street sweepings and municipal sludges) was 49,106 tonnes when the national recovery rate of 46% is applied as set out in Table 6.4 hereunder. October

75 This is largely due to the introduction of legislation such as the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 and the Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2008 (and subsequent amendments). These measures were set in place to ensure greater recycling and recovery as well as to make the disposal of waste to landfill a more expensive option. Table 6.4: Recovery of C&I Waste Stream in County Cork (2010) Waste Type Quantity (Tonnes) Total C& I Waste Managed 258,299 Total C & I Municipal Waste Collected excluding sludges and litter 106,751 sweepings Recovered portion of C & I MSW 49,106 Recovery Rate 46% Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010, The main problem in trying to determine the calculation of the recycling/recovery rate is the level of detail given by waste collectors in annual returns. Whilst some collectors make every effort to give an accurate description of the waste streams they are collecting (by using the appropriate European Waste Catalogue (EWC) codes or by attaching a description of the waste stream) as well as stating whether it is recovered, disposed and the source of the waste, that level of detail is not always present and often waste streams are simply listed as being mixed municipal waste with no further detail on whether it is residual waste or recyclable National Progress National Statistics National statistics on commercial waste collection and management are compiled by the EPA on an annual basis and present the most up to date information on commercial waste generation and management within Ireland. For the purpose of data handling, commercial waste is waste collected from commercial premises (shops, pubs, restaurants etc,) as well as wastes arising from municipal premises such as schools, hospitals etc., and non process industrial waste (from canteens, office etc.). After household waste, the commercial waste stream is the next largest component of municipal waste. There is no data provided in the EPA National Waste Report 2010 with respect to processed industrial waste The collection and management of commercial waste decreased from 1,549,075 in 2007 to 1,141,015 in 2010, a decrease of 26% and decreased from 1,299,807 tonnes in 2009 to 1,141,015 tonnes in 2010, a decrease of 12%. October

76 Landfilling of commercial waste increased in the period from 2007 to 2010 by 2% and increased in the period from 2009 to 2010 by 6% while recovery of commercial waste decreased in the period from 2007 to 2010 by 3% and decreased in the period from 2009 to 2010 by 6% Table 6.5 hereunder provides the EPA National Indicators for commercial waste collection and management from 2003 to Table 6.5 EPA National Indicators for commercial waste collection and management Commercial Waste Indicator Disposal of 601, , , , , , , ,010 Commercial Waste (t) Disposal Rate 53% 50% 51% 45% 53% 51% 49% 55% for Commercial Waste Recovery of 541, , , , , , , ,005 Commercial Waste (t) Recovery Rate for Commercial Waste 47% 50% 49% 55% 48% 49% 51% 45% Source: EPA National Report 2010 and previous years Local Authority Progress It is a continued objective of to increase the recycling of commercial and industrial waste within the County. To date has achieved its collection and recycling rates for commercial/industrial MSW through the policy objectives and actions set out in Chapters 2 and 7 of the Waste Management Plan including the following: Action 13 Polluter Pays.. to continue to move towards the recovery of the full cost of collection (and recovery/disposal) of waste from commercial, industrial and household sources. Action 16 Wheelie Bins.. to continue to encourage the use of wheelie bins for the collection of municipal waste and will provide collection vehicles capable of lifting the bins. Action 18 Commercial Collection.. to continue to ensure the use of wheelie bins by commercial premises including the use of commercial-sized wheelie bins where possible. Action 25 Small Producers of Hazardous Waste..to assess the best method of collecting Hazardous Waste from small producers, in particular householders and commercial premises in accordance with the requirements of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. October

77 Action 28 Data Collection will endeavour to obtain accurate data for waste arising in the County, both through monitoring its own service and through the annual environmental reports of permitted collectors Action 30 Collection of Dry Recyclables.. to examined a number of systems for the collection of dry recyclables. Action 31 Waste Collection on the Islands..to work closely with the residents on the islands of West Cork to ensure that a satisfactory collection system is in place. The first meeting will take place in the second half of 2004 with at least one meeting per year taking place thereafter. Action 32 Recycling Targets.. to endeavour to reach the recycling targets set within the scope of the Government s policy documents Changing Our Ways and Delivering Change and those set within the scope of the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region. Action 61 Ban on Commercial Glass to Landfills..to continue to ban packaging glass arising in commercial premises from disposal to landfills. This waste stream may be easily separated at source and is readily recyclable, with a well established collection infrastructure and market. Significant progress has been made within the County during the term of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in 2004 specifically in relation to segregation of recyclables, reporting and enforcement. Municipal waste recovery rates are discussed in detail in Chapter 7 of this document. 6.3 RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC From a commercial/industrial waste collection and recycling perspective key objectives of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) are defined in Article 11. Implementation for Member States includes: Taking measures to promote high quality recycling and to this end shall set up separate collections of waste where technically, environmentally and economically practicable and appropriate to meet the necessary standards of the relevant recycling sectors. Providing separate collection for paper, metals, plastics and glass by Taking the necessary measures to increase recycling of waste materials such as paper, metal, plastic and glass from other orgins as far as these waste streams are similar to waste from households, shall be increased to a minimum of overall 50% by weight by October

78 Taking measures to encourage the separate collection of bio-waste with a view to the composting and digestion of bio-waste (Article 22). In addition Article 6 of the WFD entitled End of Waste Status allows certain specified wastes eg aggregrates, paper, glass, metal, tyres and textiles to cease to be waste once it complies with specified criteria. It should be noted that where a waste ceases to be a waste, it will also cease to be a waste for the purposes of recovery and recycling targets as set out in the Waste Framework Directive and associated national regulations. Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 798 of 2007) These Regulations replace the previous Waste Management Regulations and are designed to promote the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. They are intended, in particular, to facilitate the achievement of the targets for the recovery of packaging waste established by Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste as amended by the European Parliament and Council Directive 2004/12/EC of 11 February The Regulations impose obligations on producers who supply packaging (i.e. packaging material, packaging or packaged products) to the Irish market. A Producer is a business who, for the purposes of trade or otherwise in the course of business sells or otherwise supplies other persons packaging material, packaging or packaged goods in the course of providing a trade or service. Major Producers are defined as Producers who have an annual turnover greater than 1 Million and place more than 10 tonnes of packaging onto the Irish market in a calendar year. An exemption from certain obligations is available to major producers who participate in a packaging waste recovery scheme operated by an approved body. The Regulations provide that a producer may not supply packaging or packaged products to the Irish market unless the packaging concerned complies with specified essential requirements as to its nature and composition. The Regulations also provide for limits on the concentration levels of certain heavy metals in packaging. Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 820 of 2007 & SI No 87 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. October

79 Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 821 of 2007 & SI No 86 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Registration of Brokers & Dealers) Regulations 2008 (SI No 113 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009) These Regulations impose obligations on the major producers of food waste, e.g. shops, supermarkets, state buildings, restaurants, canteens in office buildings, hotels, guest houses, hospitals, schools, train stations, ports & airports etc. Small businesses producing <50 kgs per week were able to seek exemption from the general requirements of the Regulations until 2011 following which all businesses were covered by the regulations irrespective of the amounts of food waste produced. The Regulations require food waste to be kept separate from other waste and prevents segregated food waste from being disposed of to landfill and presents three alternative options to producers: use of a brown bin collection service; transport directly to a composting plant or other type of food waste recycling facility; or use an on-site authorised composting unit. Waste Management (Landfill Levy)(Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 221 of 2012) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. EPA Technical Guidance Document: Municipal Solid Waste- Pre-Treatment & Residuals Management As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. National Waste Policy- A Resource Opportunity- published in July 2012 As referenced in Section of this report. 6.4 ASSESSMENT The legislative requirements and targets relating to collection in Article 11 of the Directive are significant and place requirements on the local authorities to extend collection coverage as a whole. The viability of serving all commercial/industrial premises, needs to be considered and October

80 alternative solutions (technically, environmentally and economically suitable) for collection to these premises may need implementing. The Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 came into effect since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in These regulations impose obligations on major producers of food waste eg a separate bin for organic waste. continues to enforce these Regulations rigorously through out its functional area. An increase in the landfill levy as provided for under Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2012 will affect both waste generation and waste management practices. However, an increase in the landfill levy is unlikely to affect significantly the behaviour of businesses generating waste and in particular BMW unless they face true pay-by-use pricing for waste management services. Landfill levy increases will not affect businesses daily waste management decisions unless pay-by-use pricing is fully implemented. Further increases in recycling rates of commercial and industrial waste are required within the County which includes both dry recyclables and organic waste in order to comply with or take account of the requirements of current legislation. needs to pursue a policy of increasing the amount of commercial and industrial waste that is collected in the County through information and promotion campaigns as well as continued enforcement of legislation and conditions attached to waste collection permits and waste facility permits. needs to include specific objectives with respect to the management of industrial waste generated within the County to take account of the industrial sector within the County. The Council needs to work more closely with the Off Shore Islands in relation to waste management and to include specific policy objectives within the plan taking account of the content of the West Cork Islands Integrated Strategy. 6.5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION needs to ensure that the re-use and recycling of commercial and industrial waste is maximized in order to displace the use of virgin materials. Failure to ensure that the re-use and recycling of commercial/ industrial waste is maximized may from an environment perspective have possible implications for depleting resources unnecessarily October

81 Failure to ensure that businesses face true pay by use pricing for waste management services will cause the generation of waste and in particular BMW unnecessarily resulting in environmental nuisances such as greenhouse gases, leachate and odour generation. The generation of leachate has possible implications for biodiversity, surface water and groundwater depending on how it is managed. Similarly the generation of greenhouse gases has implications for air quality, climate, biodiversity, and human health. 6.6 RECOMMENDATIONS The evaluation indicates that the management of commercial/industrial MSW is progressing well in terms of rates of recovery, recycling and disposal when compared to the national averages. The Council needs to work more closely with the Off Shore Islands in relation to waste management and to include specific policy objectives within the plan taking account of the content of the West Cork Islands Integrated Strategy. It is recommended that the key policy objectives/actions for commercial/ industrial MSW are replaced to better reflect and be more specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. In the absence of specific actions relating to industrial waste in the current plan it is recommended that key policy objectives/actions for industrial waste be included to reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. October

82 7 MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT 7.1 AIM The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a municipal waste management perspective the policies in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 aim to decrease the amount of municipal waste being sent to landfill and to increase the rate of recycling. The aim is to increase the amount of waste collected and recycled through the provision of an integrated management system of segregated kerbside collection, bring banks and civic amenity sites/ recycling centres. 7.2 ASSESSING IMPLEMENTATION Current Position Municipal waste as defined in the Waste Management Act 1996, means household waste as well as commercial and other waste which, because of its nature and composition, is similar to household waste. Municipal Waste is made up of 3 main elements (i) household, (ii) commercial (including non process industrial waste) and (iii) street cleansing waste (street sweepings, street bins and municipal parks and cemeteries maintenance, litter campaign material). In 2010, it was estimated that a total of 372,757t of municipal waste was collected in the Cork Region as set out in Table 7.1 hereunder: Table 7.1 Municipal Waste Indicators for Cork County and Cork Region Waste Cork City Council Regional Total Municipal Waste (t) 131, , , C & I Waste Managed(t) 73, , , Household Waste Managed 51, , ,824 (t) Street Sweepings(t) 6,770 7,244 14,014 Municipal Waste 59, , , Recovered(t) Household Waste 25, , , Recovered(t) Commercial Waste 33, , , Recovered(t) Municipal Waste 45% 44% 44% Recovery Rate Municipal Waste Disposal Rate 55% 56% 56% Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010, October

83 The data for household waste generation takes account of estimates for uncollected waste. A distinction is therefore drawn between municipal waste generated and municipal waste managedthe later concerning itself only with municipal waste that is either collected or brought directly to waste facilities or home compost. Disposal and recovery rates for the managed municipal waste streams are shown in Table 7.1. The municipal waste recovery rate of 44% for Cork County exceeds the national target rate of 35% set in Changing Our Ways (DELG, 1998) and the EU 27 average of 40% Forecast for municipal waste generation Fig 7.1 sets out projections for municipal waste for the Cork Region for the period 2010 to The projections have been calculated by using the Sustainable Development Model for Ireland (isus). The tonnage of future streams is intricately linked to performance of the economy and its ability to move out of recession. Fig 7.1 Predicted growth in municipal waste generation (ISUS model) Using this model it is estimated that the total tonnage of municipal waste generated will increase by 117,760t over the 15 year period. However it should be recognized that preparing waste projections is challenging with many variables to consider. These projections should be revised on an annual basis taking account of new data and also improved modeling techniques and approaches. October

84 7.2.3 Current Position on Biodegradable Waste Biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) is the degradable element of household, commercial, non process industrial and cleansing waste. The main constituents are park and garden waste, food waste, timber, paper, card and textiles. There has been significant progress in terms of rolling out source segregated collection systems nationally, therefore it is no longer appropriate to apply one generic biodegradability factor to all municipal waste streams. The biodegradability factor currently being applied to various waste streams nationally takes the collection and treatment arrangements into consideration. Table 7.2 hereunder sets out the quantity of BMW generated and managed in the Cork Region in 2010 using appropriate biodegradability factors as outlined in the EPA National Waste Report It is estimated that approximately 263,883 tonnes of BMW was generated in the Cork Region in 2010 and of this approximately 120,495 tonnes was consigned to landfill ie of the municipal waste sent to landfill (208,195t) it was made up of 58% BMW. Table 7.2: Estimated Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) Generated in the Cork Region Region in 2010 Waste Stream Managed Municipal Waste (tonnes) BMW Content Available Biodegradable Waste (tonnes) Commercial 179, % 138,538 Household 178, % 116,236 Cleansing 14,014 65% 9,109 Total 372, ,883 Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010, The National Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy 2006 sets national targets for the diversion of this material from landfill. In 2009 the EPA published a guidance document entitled Municipal Solid Waste Pre-treatment and Residuals Management, to assist Ireland in meeting its separate collection and landfill diversion obligations and to assist in the delivery of policy outlined in the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy. The guidance document stated the maximum allowable BMW content in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accepted at landfill for 2010, 2013 and However in June 2010, the EPA subsequently changed the 2010 target from 40% (by weight) to 47% (by weight). Table 7.3 hereunder provides a summary of the available BMW that is permitted to be landfilled with respect to the Cork Region taking account of the factors as set out in the above referenced EPA guidance document. October

85 Table 7.3 Analysis of Estimated tonnage of BMW permitted to be landfilled Year MSW Managed (t) Available Biodegradable Waste (t) Target Factors Note 1 BMW Permitted to Landfill ( wrt Cork Region) (t) BMW Permitted to Landfill (Nationally) ,757 (actual) 263,883 47% 120,753 (actual) 916, , ,398 24% 63, , , ,021 15% 40, ,000 Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010, EPA National Waste Report 2010, EPA guidance document on Pretreatment and Residual Management 2009 Note 1: The target factors are subject to review by the Agency and will be dependent on progress made towards landfill diversion targets. Based on the EPA target of 47% by weight of the available biodegradable waste generated from the municipal waste collected it is estimated that the Cork Region had approximately 3,272t to spare with respect to the diversion of BMW from landfill in To meet the diversion requirements for 2013 and 2016, in addition to the requirement of rolling out a 3-bin separate collection system for households, the treatment of the biodegradable component of the residual waste will be essential National Progress National Statistics National statistics on municipal waste and biodegradable waste are compiled by the EPA on an annual basis and present the most up to date information on biodegradable municipal waste generation and management within Ireland. In 2010 Ireland s municipal waste recovery rate increased by 3% to yield an overall recovery rate of 42% and a recycling rate (excluding energy recovery) of 38%, close to the EU27 norm of 40%. Ireland met the first EU Landfill Directive biodegradable municipal waste diversion target (due by the July 2010), which was to landfill a maximum of 75% of the biodegradable municipal waste generated in The quantity of biodegradable municipal waste disposed at landfill decreased by 19% from 2009 to 860,000t. October

86 Current Position Quantity biodegradable municipal waste landfilled (t) ,000 (EU Target Achieved) Distance to Second EU Landfilled Directive target (July 20013) (t, rounded) 250,000 in excess of target Distance to Third EU Landfilled Directive target (July 20013) (t, rounded) 433,000 in excess of target Source: EPA National Waste Report Local Authority Progress The following objectives relating to biodegradable municipal waste are relevant and have been identified as being key to obtaining the overall policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004: Action 29 Separate Collection of BioWaste..to establish a pilot scale study to investigate the feasibility of providing a separate collection system for biowaste Action 33 Waste Recovery Facility.. to develop a Materials Recovery Facility in cooperation with Cork City Council which will serve both County and City. This facility will allow for active segregation of a large number of waste streams and for their more effective recovery and disposal. The facility will incorporate mechanical separation for the separation of dry recyclables, ferrous and non ferrous metal separation and a baling or compaction facility to provide for the bulk haul of the recovered/residual components. A composting facility will also provide for the composting of the separated Wet Organic Fraction rendering it suitable for reuse for instance for landscaping applications on infrastructural projects, for parks maintenance, as a soil conditioner or for capping landfills. It will also be designed to accept 35,000 tonnes of separately collected biowaste. The minimum capacity for the various recovery facilities is summarised hereunder..: Facility Phase I Capacity (tonnes per annum) Mechanical separation plant (or similar facility treating mixed municipal solid waste) 150,000* Baling or compaction facility for separated components 85,000* Composting Facility (or similar facility treating separated Wet Organic Fraction) 65,000* * modular system required to allow for increase of given capacity by 50% in the future Action 35 Home Composting..to continue its efforts in encouraging households and schools to recycle their organic waste by composting it at source. October

87 Action 36 Treatment of Separately Collected Biowaste..As an integral element of the feasibility study for a separate collection system for biowaste, propose to compost the biowaste collected in the proposed Composting/Materials Recovery Facility Action 37 Greenwaste Composting..to further investigate the possibility of establishing a Greenwaste Composting Facility possibly in conjunction with Cork Corporation, capable of composting greenwaste from the Cork Region Action 45 Minimising Disposal.. to endeavour to reduce the quantity of waste for final disposal. This will be done in the first instance by making every effort to prevent and minimise waste arisings and secondly by recovering as much waste as possible. Action 46 Pre-treatment will endeavour to provide for treatment for waste arisings prior to the final disposal of the unrecoverable residue as required by the EU Council Directive on the Landfill of Waste which requires that only waste which has been subject to treatment is landfilled Action 50 Landfill Directive. will have regard for the EU Council Directive on the Landfill of Waste and all its guidelines for the proper landfilling of waste. Progress has been achieved on a number of the actions while other actions have either been deferred or decisions have been taken not to proceed with the development of the proposed infrastructure eg actions pertaining to the Material Recovery Facility. In some instances the provision of legislation both current and proposed requires that the action(s) within the waste management plan be either amended or replaced eg action 29. To meet the diversion requirements for 2013 and 2016, in addition to the requirement of rolling out a 3-bin separate collection system for households, the treatment of the biodegradable component of the residual waste will be essential. A decision was taken in January 2011 not to proceed with the Material Recovery Facility at Rossmore, Carrigtwohill, the Council proceeded with the procurement of a waste recovery facility service rather than the development of a Local Authority owned waste recovery facility. It is important to state that any Regional diversion targets as well as provision of waste infrastructure are not the sole responsibility of a Local Authority but that there is an onus on all waste operators to contribute on a pro rata basis. Since the inception of the promotion of compost bins, and up to the end of 2007, the Council had sold 6,652 bins. In addition the Council has published educational materials & guidance for the public relating to composting and continues to promote the benefits of composting and to advertise the October

88 availability of composting bins. From 2008 to date a number of additional initiatives have been launched, including demonstrations of home composting systems at garden centres throughout the County; establishing a master composter training site in Quarterstown, Mallow and training of 32 master composters. A composting demonstration site was opened in Inniscarra Waterworks site in In addition a schools training composting program has been developed with on site training given to schools. Training materials & information sheets & booklets have also been developed & disseminated. has ensured to date that within its functional area national targets/directive derived targets are met as discussed earlier in the chapter as well as endeavouring to reduce the quantity of waste for disposal. While there is sufficient management capacity in the immediate future, the predicted growth of municipal waste within the coming decade may necessitate investment in waste management infrastructure. There are currently two composting facilities in operation in the County with an annual intake capacity of 26,400tonnes. 7.3 RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS There are two key pieces of EU legislation that deal with BMW. Article 22 of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) requires separate collection of biowaste and the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) requires the diversion of BMW from landfill. Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) Article 5 of the Landfill Directive sets out a requirement for Member States to establish a national strategy for the reduction of BMW going to landfill. In addition this article sets out limits on what can be sent to landfill in relation to BMW. These limits (which are tied to the 1995 statistical base year for specific BMW landfill diversion requirements) become more stringent with time. The National Biodegradable Municipal Waste Strategy was adopted in 2006 to assist in meeting these diversion requirements. Article 6 of the Landfill Directive obligates landfill operators to demonstrate that all waste accepted at landfill has been subject to pre-treatment. This was binding from July 2001 for landfills commencing operations on or after such a date and was binding for all operational landfills (including pre 2001 landfills) from July October

89 Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) Article 22 of the WFD requires Member States to take measures to encourage the separate collection of bio-waste with a view to composting and digestion of bio-waste. National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste 2006 As referenced in Section of this report. Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 820 of 2007 & SI No 87 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 821 of 2007 & SI No 86 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009) As referenced in Section 6.3 of this report. Draft Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. EPA Pre-Treatment Technical Guidance Document As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. National Waste Policy- A Resource Opportunity- published in July 2012 As referenced in Section of this report. 7.4 ASSESSMENT On the coming into effect of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009) initiated an Awareness Raising Programme soon after. This October

90 campaign developed an information leaflet, organised workshops for food producers in numerous locations, informed all Waste Collectors of their responsibilities in relation to the Regulations and raised awareness among the general public by use of the print media and radio. In addition the Council reviewed all waste collection permits which related to the collection of food waste. It attached appropriate conditions to both new and reviewed waste collection permits issued by it to ensure compliance with Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009). continues to rigorously enforce Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009). From the 01 st January 2012 to date over 150 food waste inspections have been carried out in the functional area of. understands from the National Policy recently published that the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations will be published in September The Council will adopt the same rigorous approach by way of enforcement of these Regulations once they come into effect. Article 22 of the Waste Framework Directive requires that Member States take measures to encourage the separate collection of bio-waste with a view to the composting and digestion of bio-waste. Enforcement of both Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 (SI 508 of 2009) and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations (once they come into effect) will ensure compliance with this requirement. Article 5 of the Landfill Directive sets out limits on what can be sent to landfill in relation to Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW). These limits (which are tied to the 1995 statistical base year for specific BMW landfill diversion requirements) become more stringent with time. In % of municipal waste sent to landfill in the Cork Region was BMW. This equated to 46% of available biodegradable waste in the municipal waste managed in the Region which is less than the 47% target as amended by the Agency from first setting targets in its guidance document entitled Municipal Solid Waste Pre-treatment and Residuals Management, published in order to assist Ireland in meeting its separate collection and landfill diversion obligations and to assist in the delivery of policy outlined in the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy To meet the diversion requirements for 2013 and 2016, in addition to the requirement of rolling out a 3-bin separate collection system for households, the treatment of the biodegradable component of the residual waste will be essential. October

91 The following actions may need to be considered for the County to ensure that the landfill diversion targets for 2013 and 2016 are met: 1. Accelerate the implementation of the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste and in particular the roll-out of the brown bin source-segregated collection systems for organic waste for households in order to drive the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. 2. Support the development of adequate infrastructure to treat organic waste and green waste and support the development of outlets for products arising from the treatment of such waste. 3. Support the development of end markets for compost and digestate. 4. Continue to promote home composting in suitable areas through ongoing awareness and education/training campaigns, including the provision of home composting units to householders at reduced prices. 5. Continue to promote food waste prevention through the initiatives such as Green Business and Green Hospitality Awards. 6. Include prevention and minimization of Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) in the Council s waste prevention program 7. Continue to enforce the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations SI 508 of Initiate enforcement of the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations once they come into effect. 7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Significant progress is required to meet the diversion requirements for 2013 and 2016, in addition to the requirement of rolling out a 3-bin separate collection system for households, the treatment of the biodegradable component of the residual waste will be essential. Source segregated waste collection is best placed to maximize waste recovery options and recyclate value, as well as ensuring diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill. Failure to comply with obligations for biodegradable landfill diversion targets as discussed previously will from an environment perspective cause the generation of leachate which has possible implications for biodiversity, surface water and groundwater depending on how it is October

92 managed. Similarly it will cause the generation of greenhouse gas emissions which has implications for air quality, climate, biodiversity, and human health. 7.6 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the key policy objectives/ actions in the current waste management plan for municipal waste and in particular biodegradable municipal waste are replaced to better reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC), Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 and the Waste Management (Household Food Waste Collection) Regulations, once they come into effect, are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. October

93 8.0 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT 8.1 AIM The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a construction and demolition waste management perspective the policies in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 aim to recover as much as possible of the Construction and Demolition waste produced in the Council s functional area. 8.2 ASSESSING THE IMPLMENTATION Waste Managed Tables provide a summary regarding the construction and demolition wastes collected/ managed in Table 8.1: Collection of Construction and Demolition Waste 2010 (tonnes) Collected/ Recovery/ Disposal Waste Type Cork City Council Region C & D Waste collected 33,139t 40,741t 73,881t Soil & Stone Waste 140,971t 206,549t 347,520t collected C & D Waste ,479t 199,479t recovered* Contaminated Soils Collected 34t 1,643t 1,677t Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 *Amount of C & D recovered in the Local Authority Area Table 8.2 Management of C & D Waste (excluding soil & stone) Cork County 2010 Management Recovery Disposal Metal 20, t 8.5t Wood 1,677.13t Glass t 0.43t Plastic Gypsum based waste 559.7t Insulation materials 4.24t 558t Mixed or other C & D Waste t 8.945t Bituminous Material t 174.9t Total t t Grand Total 40,741.22t Recovery Rate 98% 2% Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 October

94 Table 8.3 Management of Soil & Stone Cork County 2010 Management Recovery Disposal Total 184,790.81t 21,758.68t Grand Total 206,549.49t Recovery Rate 89% 11% Source: Local Authority e-aer system National Progress National statistics on construction and demolition waste are compiled by the EPA on an annual basis and present the most up to date information on construction and demolition waste management within Ireland. There was a 50 % decrease in 2010 in the reported quantity of C & D waste managed by recovered and disposal facilities (2.6m), compared with 2009 data. Contaminated soil (usually generated in land development/ redevelopment projects) exported for treatment increased from 476 t in 2009 to 2,590 t in 2010, although the overall tonnage managed is still significantly down on pre-2009 data. In Changing Our Ways (DEHLG 1998), the Government set a national target of 85% for the recovery of C&D wastes to be achieved by The EPA stated in the National Waste Report 2010 that the current progress with respect to recycling C & D waste (excluding energy recovery) has reached 98%. The success in exceeding this target nationally has been assisted by a Construction Voluntary Industry Initiative which was launched in 2004 requiring all industry stakeholders to commit to improved sustainable management practices on site which resulted in the requirement to prepare Project Construction and Demolition Waste Plans. National guidelines to assist contractors and developers in the preparation of the waste plans were launched in 2006 by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government. The recently published national waste policy makes specific reference to construction and demolition waste as set out hereunder: The Review of Producer Responsibility Initiatives will examine the appropriate financial mechanisms to ensure compliance by producers with their obligations. Those sectors which are generating significant waste, and which do not have successful voluntary initiatives in place, will be considered for specific regulation as part of the review. In particular, specific producer responsibility requirements for construction and demolition projects over a certain threshold will be considered October

95 8.2.3 Local Authority Progress It is a continued objective of to recover as much as possible of the Construction and Demolition waste produced in its functional area. To date has achieved its collection and recovery rate for construction and demolition waste through the policy objectives and actions set out in Chapters 2 and 7 of the Waste Management Plan including the following: Action 32 Recycling Targets.. to endeavour to reach the recycling targets set within the scope of the Government s policy documents Changing Our Ways and Delivering Change and those set within the scope of the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region. Action 39 C&D Waste. to attempt to recover as much as possible of the Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste produced in its functional area. The Council will also approach the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the National Roads Authority and the Construction Industry Federation in an effort to encourage the use of recycled building materials through research and testing of recycled products. In 2002, it was reported that a total of 500,000 tonnes of C&D waste was generated in the Cork Region. The amount of construction and demolition waste collected in the Cork Region in ,401t. The requirement for Construction & Demolition Waste Management Plans, as put forward in the Construction Voluntary Initiative launched in 2004 continues to be managed by Cork County Council by way of planning conditions prior to the commencement of a development. The primary aim of C&D waste plans is to ensure maximum reuse/recycling of wastes generated at the sites of origin in the first instance and then at individual construction and demolition sites. In this regard the plans require on site source segregation of C&D waste and removal in accordance with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) guidelines. The implementation of integrated C&D Waste Recycling on permitted sites is required in order to encourage the separation of materials as well as the crushing/grading of C& D waste for re-use as aggregate. The number of Soil & Stone/C & D Sites- licenced/ permitted/certified in s functional area in 2010 was 65 including 3 C & D Waste Recycling Facilities. In total it is estimated that approximately 81% of all C&D/Soil and Stone waste collected within the County in 2010 was recovered in the County. However a significant improvement in the October

96 accuracy of reporting of individual waste streams by waste operators is required in terms of tonnage as well as categorization of transfer type. 8.3 RECENT LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS In Changing Our Ways (1998), the Government set a national target of 85% for the recovery of C&D wastes to be achieved by Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County in May 2004, a Construction Voluntary Industry Initiative was launched in October 2004 requiring all industry stakeholders to commit to improved sustainable management practices on site which resulted in the requirement to prepare Project Construction and Demolition Waste Plans. National guidelines to assist contractors and developers in the preparation of the waste plans were launched in 2006 by the DEHLG. Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) Subsequently the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008, set targets for the reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste to move Europe towards a recycling society with a high level of resource efficiency. In doing so Article 11 sets the following recycling target for the non-soil and stone fraction of C&D waste: (b) by 2020, the preparing for re-use, recycling and other material recovery, including backfilling operations using waste to substitute other materials, of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste excluding naturally occurring material defined in category in the list of waste shall be increased to a minimum of 70% by weight. Article 11 of the preamble to the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008 states that the waste status of uncontaminated excavated soils and other naturally occurring material which are used on sites other than the one from which they were excavated should be considered in accordance with the definition of waste and the provisions on by products or on the end of waste status under this Directive. The provisions in relation to by-products are set out in Article 5 of the EU Waste Framework Directive Responsibility for scrutinizing decisions made under this article falls to the Agency. October

97 Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 820 of 2007 & SI No 87 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 821 of 2007 & SI No 86 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. National Waste Policy- A Resource Opportunity- published in July 2012 As referenced in Section of this report. 8.4 ASSESSMENT Both the recycling target of at 50% of C & D waste within a five year period, with a progressive increase to at least 85% over fifteen years as set down in the Government s policy document Changing Our Ways and the C & D waste recycling target of 70% specified in the 2008 Waste Framework Directive have been met in Cork County as demonstrated hereunder. achieved in a recovery rate of 98% when assessing C & D quantities only -a recovery rate of 91% when assessing combined C & D and soil and stone quantities -a recovery rate of 89% when assessing soil and stone quantities only A significant improvement in the accuracy of reporting of individual waste streams and correct categorization of transfer type (ie whether the activity is one of recovery or disposal) by waste operators is required. In order to ensure that the C & D recycling rates are maintained in the County the following actions may need to be considered: Support and promote specific producer responsibility requirements for construction and demolition projects over a certain threshold as referenced in the National Policy- A Resource Opportunity published in July Assess new Council construction projects for the potential use of recycled aggregates and encourage the development of end markets for these products by ensuring that the public and private sector developments use recycled construction aggregates and other recycled materials where possible. October

98 Facilitate the provision of additional C&D Waste Recycling Facilities for recycling of C&D waste including separation of materials as well as the crushing/grading of C & D waste for re-use as aggregate. Endeavour to achieve the national target of 98% (excluding energy recovery) for C & D waste and Soil & Stone waste. Increase awareness of the opportunities to minimize/ prevent waste and to achieve more sustainable waste practices in the construction and demolition sector. Ensure that C & D waste, as a resource, is employed in the most beneficial manner practicable through optimal re-use and recycling activities. 8.5 ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS needs to continue to enforce the conditions attached to waste facility permits and waste collection permits relating to soil and stone recovery facilities and C & D Recycling facilities. needs to ensure that the re-use and recycling of construction and demolition waste is maximized and that illegal collection and disposal of this material is completely ceased. Failure to ensure the re-use and recycling of construction and demolition waste will reduce our finite natural resources such as geological and energy reserves. Failure in ensuring that illegal collection and disposal of C & D waste is completely ceased may from an environment perspective have possible implications for biodiversity, surface water and groundwater depending on how it is managed. 8.6 RECOMMENDATIONS The evaluation indicates that the management of construction and demolition waste is progressing well in terms of rates of recovery, recycling and disposal when compared to the national averages. welcomes the suggested consideration within the recently published waste policy with respect to construction and demolition waste i.e... In particular, specific producer responsibility requirements for construction and demolition projects over a certain threshold will be considered. October

99 It is recommended that the key policy objectives/ actions for construction and demolition waste are replaced to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. October

100 9.0 WASTE STREAM WHICH FALL UNDER PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY SCHEMES AND OTHER WASTE STREAMS 9.1 AIM The polluter pays principle is a fundamental principle of environmental protection. It suggests that waste generators should pay the full costs of waste management services provided including collection, treatment and disposal. Responsibility for the costs of waste management focuses attention on the implications of waste generation and also provides a direct economic incentive for waste prevention. The Waste Management Act, 1996 established a legislative basis for Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRIs) to allow producers to devise schemes that have the capacity to fulfill the basic objectives of waste management legislation. The principal PRIs are in the areas of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), batteries, packaging, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), tyres and farm plastics. The majority of these PRI schemes has operated very successfully and has enabled Ireland to reach its domestic and EU recycling targets. They have also successfully contributed to Ireland meeting its overall environmental goals and have diverted substantial amounts of waste from landfill. The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 in relation to wastes arising from the Producer Responsibility Schemes is to divert substantial amounts of waste from landfill and to ensure that the EU recycling targets are met. 9.2 ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment Waste Managed Table 9.1 details the quantities of WEEE collected in Cork County in WEEE is mainly collected at Civic Amenity Sites/ Recycling Centres and through WEEE-Ireland. Table 9.1 Quantities of WEEE collected in 2010 Waste Cork City Council Region Household WEEE (Compliance 1,184 3,782 4,966 Scheme) Collected for Recovery (t) Household WEEE (Compliance Scheme) Collected for Recovery/ capita (kg/capital) Other WEEE collected for recovery (t) Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 October

101 National Progress A total of 45,012t of WEEE was collected for recovery nationally in More than 8kg per person of household WEEE was collected, exceeding the 4kg per person EU target. The recovery rates for all categories of WEEE have also been achieved. Since the 31 st of December 2008 producers of electric and electronic equipment have been responsible for meeting targets for the percentage recovery, and the percentage component, material and substance reuse and recycling of WEEE sent for treatment. Estimated recovery and recycling percentages as set out in the EPA National Waste Report 2010 suggest that in 2010 Ireland met all WEEE treatment targets set by EU and National legislation Local Authority Progress To date has managed WEEE through the enforcement of the WEEE Regulations. There is one action which is specific to WEEE in Chapter 7 of the plan as set down hereunder Action 23 Fluorescent Tube Collection to encourage the separate collection at source of fluorescent tubes in Cork County, by educating the public through the 20/20 Vision News and by leading by example. Ongoing auditing and monitoring of permit holders is a major contributory factor in achieving high collection rates of WEEE in the County. Likewise an ever constant presence of waste enforcement officers in the functional area of Cork County Council reduces the number of unpermitted operators in the area covered by WEEE Recent Legislative Requirements Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC Article 8 sets out measures with respect to extending producer responsibility in order to strengthen the re-use and the prevention, recycling and other recovery of waste inorder to ensure that any person who professionally develops, manufactures, processes, treats, sells or imports products (producer of the product) has extended producer responsibility. October

102 European Communities (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment) Regulations SI No 355 of 2011 as amended by SI No 397 of 2011 These Regulations give further effect to the provisions of European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/96/EC as amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 2003/108/EC and by Article 5 of Directive 2008/112/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. They are designed to promote the recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment. They will facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner established by Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment as amended by Directive 2003/108/EC. The Regulations impose obligations on persons who supply electrical and electronic equipment to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers. An exemption from these obligations is available to persons who participate in a scheme for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner operated by an approved body established in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of these Regulations. Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations 2008 S.I. No. 376 of 2008) These Regulations are designed to minimize waste arisings of certain hazardous substances by prohibiting the use of certain heavy metals in EEE as required by Directive 2002/95/EC Assessment Significant progress has been made within Cork County since 2002 in terms of WEEE collection. Approximately 3,782tonnes of Household WEEE was collected in 2010 under the compliance scheme. This is as a direct result of the introduction of WEEE legislation in 2005 and 2008 which entitles users of such household WEEE to leave that waste back free of charge, either to retail outlets in instances where a replacement item is purchased, or other authorised collection points, including Local Authority Civic Amenity sites. 9.5 kg of WEEE per person was collected in Cork County in 2010 which is more than double the EU Target of >4kg of WEEE from private households/ capita/year. In addition a further 207tonnes of other WEEE was collected in 2010 in the County. The aforementioned recycling targets have been achieved through the provision of dedicated collection points in all the Civic Amenity Sites in the County and through the rigorous enforcement of the WEEE Regulations by the Council s Enforcement Team. There are 1023 October

103 retailers registered in the Cork Region for WEEE and Batteries either with WEEE Ireland or with. In order to ensure that the WEEE recovery rates are maintained in the County the following actions may need to be considered: needs to promote the options for reuse, repair and recycling of WEEE available in the County needs to raise awareness amongst householders and industry regarding the proper management of WEEE in accordance with the applicable Regulations. needs to explore alternative WEEE collection methods with industry in order to ensure maximum coverage is provided for householders in the County needs to continue to enforce the Regulations, ensuring that retailers register with the Council, take back WEEE from customers buying new products and manage the recycling and recovery of WEEE in accordance with the Regulations. needs to ensure that all its Civic Amenity sites continue to accept WEEE free of charge Environmental Considerations needs to promote the options for reuse, repair and recycling of WEEE and that illegal collection and disposal of this material is completely ceased. At present due to the high price of metal the illegal dumping of WEEE is at a minimum. Failure to ensure that illegal collection and disposal of WEEE is completely ceased may from an environment perspective have possible implications for biodiversity, surface water and groundwater depending on how it is managed. (WEEE that is illegally disposed of is not being depolluted in the correct manner) Recommendations As there is only one action that relates to WEEE in the current plan it is recommended that the key policy objective/action for WEEE is replaced to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. October

104 Photo of WEEE awaiting collection at CA Site Batteries Waste Managed Table 9.2 details the quantities of waste batteries collected in Cork County in This is mainly collected at Civic Amenity Sites and through WEEE-Ireland. Table 9.2 Quantities of Waste Batteries collected in 2010 Waste Batteries Cork City Cork County Region Council Council Separately Collected (Compliance Scheme) for Recovery (t) Separately Collected (Compliance Scheme) for Recovery/ capita (kg/capita) Batteries (Non-Municipal) (t) , , Source: Local Authority e-aer system National Progress Ireland has met the interim EU target of 25% collection rate for batteries and accumulators by September 2012 with a recycling rate of over 29% achieved at the end of 2011 and appears to be on track with respect to meeting the recycling targets Local Authority Progress To date has managed waste batteries through the enforcement of the Waste Management (Batteries & Accumulators) Regulations. There are two actions which are specific to WEEE in Chapter 7 of the plan as set down hereunder: October

105 Action 21 Waste Vehicular Batteries will encourage garages to separate waste lead acid batteries from other waste streams at source. The Council will inform garages in its functional area of their duty to segregate and temporarily store waste lead acid batteries arising as a result of their businesses and of their obligation to organise for their proper collection by a reputable company. Waste lead acid batteries are classed as a Hazardous Waste and require specific management. The Council has already printed an information sheet on waste management in garages entitled Preventing Water Pollution at Garages and Service Stations, which is available from Cork County Council offices at County Hall or Inniscarra. This sheet refers to the importance of battery waste management in addition to waste oil and waste chemical management. Action 22 Small Battery Collection. will encourage the collection of small batteries by considering areas and sectors in the community where collection of this waste stream may be feasible. The Council will approach small battery suppliers and manufacturers in order to discuss ways in which they may work with the Council in organising the collection of small batteries at point of purchase of new batteries. Ongoing auditing and monitoring of permit holders is a major contributory factor in achieving high collection rates of waste batteries in the County. Likewise an ever constant presence of waste enforcement officers in the functional area of Cork County Council reduces the number of unpermitted operators in the area covered by batteries Recent Legislative Requirements Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC As referenced in Section of this Report. Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008, S.I. No. 268 of 2008 as amended by SI No 556/2008 These Regulations are designed to promote the recycling of waste batteries. They will facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of waste batteries in an environmentally sound manner established by European Parliament and Council Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and waste batteries. The Regulations impose obligations on persons who supply batteries to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers. An exemption from these obligations is available to persons who participate in a scheme for the collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of waste batteries in an environmentally sound manner operated by an approved body October

106 Assessment The Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations S.I. No. 268 of 2008 as amended were not in effect when the current waste management plan was adopted. needs to continue to adopt all appropriate measures in order to prevent the disposal of waste batteries as unsorted municipal waste and to achieve a high level of separate collection. The collection and transport of segregated waste batteries needs to be carried out in such a way as to optimize the recycling potential of the battery and accumulator components capable of being recycled. 1,001.17t of waste batteries arising from non-municipal sources were collected in the County in A further 17tonnes of batteries was collected by WEEE Ireland under the compliance scheme. In order to ensure that the waste battery recycling and collection rates continue to increase in the County the following actions may need to be considered: Enforce the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations S.I. No. 268 of 2008 as amended, ensuring that retailers register with the Council, take back waste batteries from customers and manage the recycling and recovery of waste batteries in accordance with the Regulations. Carry out data collection and reporting of batteries performance. Raise awareness amongst householders and industry regarding the proper management of waste batteries in accordance with the applicable Regulations. Explore alternative waste battery collection methods with industry to ensure maximum coverage is provided for householders in the County Environmental Considerations needs to promote the proper management of waste batteries in accordance with applicable Regulations. Failure to ensure proper management of waste batteries in accordance with applicable Regulations may from an environment perspective have possible implications for surface water and groundwater depending on how this waste stream is managed. October

107 Recommendations It is recommended that the key policy objectives/actions for waste batteries are replaced to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated Regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) Waste Managed Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004), the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (SI 282 of 2006) as amended have come into effect. These Regulations put the onus on the motor industry with respect to the collection and recovery of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). Table 9.3 details the number of Authorised Treatment Facilities/ Waste Vehicle Facilities which operated in the County in 2010 and the quantities of ELVs collected in the County in Table 9.3 Quantities of ELVs collected in 2010 & No of Sites in operation in 2010 ELV Waste Collected (t) 25,690 No of ATFs/ Waste Vehicle Facilities in operation in Note 1 Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 Note 1: s Records National Progress Ireland is failing to meet the ELV Directive targets which have been effective since January In 2009 a reuse/recovery rate of 82% and a reuse/recycling rate of 79% was achieved against targets of 85% and 80% respectively. Preliminary data for 2010 indicate that the reuse/recovery and reuse/ recycling rates decreased in reference to the 2009 figures Local Authority Progress There is no specific action associated with end of life vehicles as defined under Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle) Regulations 2006 as amended in the current Waste Management Plan. However there is an action which relates to abandoned vehicles as set down hereunder: October

108 Action 56 Abandoned Vehicles shall endeavour to remove any vehicles that have been abandoned within its functional area and dispose of them in a proper way if they are no longer road-worthy. Sub-section 4 of Section 71 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 provides for the removal of these vehicles by the local authority in whose functional area the vehicle is abandoned. The local authority may also charge the rightful owner for the costs incurred through removal and storage of the vehicle To date has managed the End of Life Vehicle waste stream through the rigorous enforcement of the End of Life Vehicle Regulations (SI No 282 of 2006 as amended) as these regulations came into effect after the adoption of the current waste plan for the County. A project involving the identification and regularization of unpermitted End-of-Life Vehicle Sites within s functional area was initiated by the Waste Enforcement Team in 2006 in response to the EU Directive 2000/53/EC, the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 282 of 2006), Case 494/01 taken against the Irish State in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and Circular Letter WIR: 04/05. A total of 180 sites were identified, under the aforementioned project, as unpermitted ELV sites with aerial surveillance proving the most effective investigative technique. The operators of these 180 sites each received correspondence from advising them of their responsibilities under the relevant legislation and requiring them to regularise their activity or cease operation. Photo of Unauthorised ELV site Each site subsequently received a follow up inspection by authorised officers from the Waste Enforcement Team with these measures resulting in the regularization, to date, of 179 of the 180 sites identified throughout the county. October

109 Photo of the Unauthorised ELV site after clean up This project is on-going. The Inspection Plan Waste Enforcement Section 2012 developed in accordance with the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) places particular emphasis on unpermitted ELV sites with the stated objective of the regularization of remaining unpermitted ELV s in the Cork area in 2012 In 2010 there were 22 waste facilities permitted to accept end of life vehicles/ waste vehicles in the County. These facilities accepted approximately 25,690 tonnes of ELV waste in continues to actively conduct audits of facilities and collectors involved in the management and collection of end of life vehicles/ waste vehicles to ensure compliance with both the waste facility permit and waste collection permit regulations. continues to remove any vehicles that have been abandoned within its functional area and dispose of them in a proper way if they are no longer road-worthy and is in the process of developing a procedure to deal with abandoned vehicles in order to ensure consistency throughout the County Recent Legislative Requirements Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC As referenced in Section of this Report. Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle) Regulations (SI 282 of 2006) These Regulations are designed to implement the provisions of Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on end-of-life vehicles. They are intended to facilitate the achievement of the 85% reuse/recovery with 80% reuse/recycling by average weight per vehicle and year, on and from the date of commencement of the Regulations, and October

110 95% reuse/recovery with 85% reuse/recycling by average weight per vehicle and year, by the 1 of January The Regulations place obligations on each producer (a producer in relation to a vehicle, means the person who imports into, or manufactures in, the State the vehicle) to establish a national collection system for the collection of specified vehicles, of that producer's brand or for which that producer has responsibility, which that producer anticipates will become end-of-life vehicles in the State and will require appropriate treatment and recovery. Each producer's national collection system will comprise of at least one authorised treatment facility in the functional area of each Local Authority and must have sufficient capacity to treat the number of end-of-life vehicles, of that producer's brand or for which that producer is responsible, that arise in any given year. An authorised treatment facility in a producer's national collection system must be reasonably accessible to any person who wishes to deposit an end-of-life vehicle to that facility and where that vehicle is accepted for appropriate treatment and recovery no charge shall be imposed on the registered owner of that vehicle except in cases where the vehicle's essential components are missing or waste has been added to that vehicle. This applies from 1 November 2006 to vehicles placed on the market on or after 1 July 2002 and to all vehicles from 1 January Each producer shall be required to register with each local authority and to provide specified information to the local authorities to accompany their registration. In Part IV of the Regulations, obligations are imposed on producers to ensure that the materials and components of vehicles do not contain lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium other than in cases specified in the Fourth Schedule and that technical documentation must be made available by the producer to verify compliance with these requirements. Obligations are imposed on authorised treatment facilities to ensure that such facilities operate under a waste license, or as appropriate, a waste permit and meet the minimum technical requirements for the (i) (ii) (iii) storage (including temporary storage) of end-of-life vehicles prior to their being the subject of appropriate treatment and recovery, appropriate treatment and recovery of end-of-life vehicles, storage of components containing fluids, recoverable components and spare parts. An authorised treatment facility shall be required to keep specified records in relation to the appropriate treatment and recovery of end-of-life vehicles and report to a producer, if that facility October

111 forms a part of a producer's national collection system, or to a local authority, if that facility does not form a part of a producer's national collection system. From the 1 January 2007, on the deposit of an end of life vehicle at an authorised treatment facility for appropriate treatment and recovery, the owner or operator of that facility shall issue a certificate of destruction to the registered owner, an authorised person of a Local Authority or a member of An Garda Síochána and all relevant information relating to that certificate of destruction shall be noted on the national vehicle records. Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle)(Amendment) Regulations 2010 (SI 142 of 2010) These Regulations amend the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 and are intended to give effect to Article 4 of Directive 2008/112/EC. For the avoidance of doubt, Article 4 of Directive 2008/112/EC amends the meaning of hazardous substances as set out in Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on end-of-life vehicles in accordance with requirements under the globally harmonised system (GHS) on the classification and labelling of chemicals which have been incorporated into Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 of 16 December The Regulations also appoint the Environmental Protection Agency as the competent authority for the enforcement of Part IV of the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 and clarify that the Part IV obligations on producers also apply to persons involved in the sale, supply or use in the State of materials and components in respect of specified vehicles. European Communities (End of Life Vehicle)(Amendment) Regulations 2011 SI 661 of 2011 The purposes for which these Regulations are made is to give effect to Directive 2011/37/EU of the European Commission of 30 March 2011 amending Annex II to Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on end-of-life vehicles. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 235 of 2010) The Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations require materials from ELVs that contain certain brominated flame retardants (e.g. foams) to be managed as POPs waste if above a certain concentration threshold. In accordance with legislation, POPs waste shall be disposed of or recovered, in such a manner as to ensure that the POP content is destroyed or irreversibly transformed. October

112 Assessment To date has managed the end of life vehicle waste stream through the rigorous enforcement of the Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle) Regulations (SI No 282 of 2006 as amended) as these Regulations came into effect after the adoption of the current waste plan for the County. The Waste Enforcement Team has developed a well deserved national reputation for action against unauthorized end of life vehicle/ waste vehicle facilities as well as in the area of metal theft Environmental Considerations needs to continue to promote the proper management of end of life vehicle/ waste vehicle waste in accordance with applicable Regulations, as much of the waste arising from end of life vehicles/ waste vehicles is hazardous. Failure to ensure proper management of end of life vehicle/ waste vehicle waste in accordance with applicable Regulations may from an environment perspective have possible implications for surface water and groundwater depending on how this waste stream is managed Recommendations In the absence of specific actions relating to end of life vehicles/ waste vehicles in the current plan it is recommended that key policy objectives/actions for end of life vehicles/ waste vehicles be included to reflect the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated Regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. Action 56 of the current plan, which relates to abandoned vehicles, is still applicable Tyres Waste Managed Since the adoption of the Waste Management Plan for Cork County (2004), Waste Management Regulations (Tyres and Waste Tyres) S.I. No. 664 of 2007 has come into effect. Two compliance schemes, as referenced hereunder, have been set up since the coming into effect of the SI 664 of 2007 to assist in comparing quantities of waste tyres arising with the quantities October

113 placed on the market and also in tracking the movement of waste tyres from the time they are discarded until they are either reused or processed for recycling and /or recovery. i) TRACS, the National Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme, was established in early 2008 as an approved body for tyre industry operators, ii) Tyre Waste Management Ltd (TWM), was approved by the Minister of the Environment to act as a second approved body in accordance with the Tyre Waste Regulations in December Table 9.4 details the quantity of waste tyres collected in the Cork County in Table 9.4 Quantity of waste tyres collected in 2010 waste Cork City Council Cork County Region Council Tyres Collected 1, ,873 Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 To date has no self compliers under the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations S.I. No. 664 of Local Authority Progress The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 664 of 2007) came into effect after the adoption of the current waste management plan. Therefore there is no specific action associated with Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 664 of 2007) in the plan. However there is an action in the plan which relates to the treatment and recovery of waste tyres in Cork County as set down hereunder: Action 42 Waste Tyres.. will continue to examine alternative methods for the treatment and recovery of waste tyres in Cork County. It will also work with the government in their efforts in this area, which is a problem affecting all local authorities in the country as the EU Council Directive on the Landfill of Waste requires that whole waste tyres be diverted from landfill. To date has managed the waste tyre stream through the rigorous enforcement of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 664 of 2007). One example of such action is detailed hereunder: A site investigation carried out in October 2008 revealed that 1,000 end of life tyres were disposed of illegally at Coillte Teoranta operated lands in North Cork. In view of the serious October

114 nature of the alleged activities and the offences disclosed under The Waste Management Act, 1996, was anxious to proceed on indictment at the Circuit Court under Sections 32, 34 and 39 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 as it considered that the higher penalties were more relevant to this particular offence. Photo of illegally dumped tyres A file was prepared and passed to the DPP the DPP decided that there was ample evidence to prosecute the alleged offender for the three offences recommended by the authorities being breaches of section 32, 34 & 39 of the Waste Management Act, The DPP elected for a trial on indictment. The alleged offender was arrested on the 7 th of December 2010 and charged with offences under section 32, section 34 and section 39 of the Waste Management Act On the 17 th of February 2011 in the Circuit Court the alleged offender pleaded guilty to all charges. On the 16 th May 2011 the convicted accused received a two year suspended sentence and a fine of 1500 Clean-up/remediation costs were estimated to be in the region of 2,000. However, should the end of life tyres have been ignited maliciously, or otherwise, the potential environmental pollution to forestry, wildlife (flora and fauna) would have been immeasurable, notwithstanding the possible loss of human life, injury to person or property. Indeed, Coillte Teoranta estimated the economic costs to be in the region of 8 million. In addition ongoing auditing and monitoring of permit holders is a major contributory factor in achieving policy objectives as applies to waste tyres. There are 2 waste tyre facilities actively involved in the recycling and recovery of waste tyres in the County. October

115 Recent Legislative Requirements Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC As referenced in Section of this Report. Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 664 of 2007) The Regulations impose obligations on persons who supply tyres to the Irish market, whether as retailers, importers or manufacturers and on persons who manage waste tyres. These Regulations are designed to maximise the reuse, recycling and recovery of waste tyres. The Regulations require producers, suppliers and authorised waste collectors to provide specified information to local authorities. The Regulations were enacted to improve information gathering and the tracking of waste tyre flows within Ireland. Suppliers of tyres to the Irish Market, whether manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, traders, or retailers or collectors of waste tyres who do not participate in a voluntary compliance scheme must register annually with the relevant Local Authority, and pay annual registration and re-registration fees. Detailed reporting on quantities of tyres placed on the market or collected must be made to the relevant Local Authority. In accordance with the Regulations anyone who wishes to collect tyres must hold a valid Waste Collection Permit in order to be classified as an Authorised Waste Collector. In accordance with the Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, a landfill ban on shredded tyres was imposed in 2006 in relation to new landfills in order to comply with the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive Assessment To date has managed the tyre waste stream through the rigorous enforcement of the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres ) Regulations 2007 (SI No 664 of 2007) as these regulations came into effect after the adoption of the current waste plan for the County. The efforts of waste enforcement officers to ensure better compliance might work better with more contact with the tyre compliance schemes. October

116 Environmental Considerations needs to continue to promote the proper management of waste tyres in accordance with applicable regulations. Failure in ensuring proper management of waste tyres in accordance with applicable regulations may from an environment perspective have possible implications for surface water and groundwater, wildlife, as detailed in Section of this report, depending on how this waste stream is managed Recommendations In the absence of actions relating to the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 664 of 2007) being in the current plan, it is recommended that further key policy objectives/ actions for Waste Tyres be included to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable Hazardous Waste from Households and Small Businesses and other sources Aim s aim is to ensure that hazardous waste is addressed through an integrated approach of prevention, collection and recycling and through the development of industry led producer responsibility schemes for key waste streams. In addition the Council aims to carry out the recommendations as made by the EPA in the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan Waste Managed Tables provide a summary of hazardous waste collected in Cork County in Table 9.5 Industrial Non Municipal Hazardous Waste collected in Cork County in (Cork County) (t) Ind Waste Haz 49,782 Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 October

117 Table 9.6 Waste Oils collected in Cork County in (Cork County)(t) Waste Oils Collected (t) 3,858 Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 Table 9.7 Household Hazardous waste collected in Cork County in 2010 Kg of Household Hazardous collected (per household) 2010 (Cork County) Kg 1.1 Source: Local Authority e-aer system National Progress Industry is the largest generator of hazardous waste in Ireland, giving rise to hazardous waste materials such as industrial solvents, sludges, oils and chemicals. Households, small businesses, farms and the healthcare and construction sectors also generate substantial quantities of hazardous waste such as lead-acid batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, healthcare risk waste, solvent-based paints and varnishes, pesticide, waste oils and asbestos. Hazardous waste management planning is a function of the EPA and the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan is a strategic level document designed to provide overall direction to policy and decision makers involved in the prevention and management of hazardous waste. All of the Plan s recommendations are designed to reduce the environmental impact of hazardous waste. The current National Hazardous Waste Management Plan makes 29 recommendations for the period 2008 to 2012 dealing with: i) the prevention of hazardous waste ii) collection of hazardous waste and the enforcement of hazardous waste Regulations iii) infrastructure and moving towards self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management iv) legacy issues such as contaminated soil and old landfill site management v) north south potential for all-island solutions; and vi) implementation October

118 Local Authority Progress To date has managed hazardous waste through the policy objectives and actions set out in Chapters 2 and 7 of the Waste Management Plan including the following: Action 23 Fluorescent Tube Collection. will encourage the separate collection at source of fluorescent tubes in Cork County, by educating the public through the 20/20 Vision News and by leading by example. The Council will liaise with Irish Lamp Recycling and support them and other collection companies in their efforts where possible. Cork County Council will also provide a collection bin at its CAS for this waste stream. Cork County Council has already provided a collection bin for this hazardous waste stream at County Hall, and will provide for it in the design of its future CAS. Action 25 Small Producers of Hazardous Waste. will assess the best method of collecting Hazardous Waste from small producers, in particular householders and commercial premises in accordance with the requirements of the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Under the Waste Management Act, 1996 the collection of municipal hazardous waste is the responsibility of the local authorities. Municipal hazardous waste collection is carried out on a large scale in other countries in the EU, where typical collection systems incorporate hazardous waste boxes which are kept by individual households and chemocars which collect the contents of these boxes on a regular basis. Action 38 Civic Amenity Sites. will provide Civic Amenity Sites around Cork County which will complement other waste management facilities planned for the County. There are already five such facilities, with Macroom being the only stand-alone one at present. These Civic Amenity Sites will serve to collect waste commonly collected at bring sites, but also bulky wastes such as electrical appliances, tyres and large garden wastes etc. Household hazardous waste such as fluorescent tubes, batteries, waste oil, paint tins etc. will also be collected at this facility. These facilities will be located at Mallow, Macroom, Bantry, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Fermoy, Newmarket, Charleville, Mitchelstown, Skibbereen/Schull area, Dunmanway, Kinsale/Bandon, Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Youghal, Midleton, Blarney/Tower, and Glanmire/Cobh. At least five new sites will be provided in the next five years. Site selection is underway at present for a number of locations. Action 71 Hazardous Waste Collection.In as far as is possible,, in partnership with Cork City Council, Cara Waste Management Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd, Pfizer, Pharmacia, Glazosmithklline, Eli Lilly and Schering-Plough will continue to operate a programme for the collection and recycling of household hazardous waste. The collections of household hazardous waste, which have operated for some time, is a great success with the quantity of waste continuing to grow as is the awareness of the issue. October

119 Action 72 Education/Promotional Activities will continue to educate the public and small producers of hazardous waste. Brochures aimed at small business and garages and service stations have been produced in order to educate and inform businesses of their roles and responsibilities in relation to hazardous wastes. Action 73 Transport of Hazardous Waste will continue to operate the correct procedures for the transport of hazardous waste both for within and outside of Ireland. The Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1998 require all movements of hazardous waste within Ireland be accompanied by a consignment note issued by the local authority of origin of the waste. Furthermore Article 12 of the regulations provides for the submission of consignment note records by local authorities to the Environmental Protection Agency. Action 75 Co operation with the Prevention Team of the Environmental Protection Agency. will co operate fully with the Prevention Team, when established, with respect to that Prevention Programme. will promote the targets of the Prevention Team which are that: There will be no increase in hazardous waste disposal over 1996 quantities and; There will be elimination of unreported hazardous waste. Action 76 Collection of Statistics. will co operate with the EPA and return data relating to hazardous waste to the EPA on an annual basis using the spreadsheet which was issued to all local authorities by the EPA. The Waste Management (Transfrontier Shipment of Waste) Regulations of 1998 require that local authorities provide information relating to all shipments of hazardous waste for which they were the competent authorities for dispatch. Key among achievements since 2004 in the area of hazardous waste management are: The development and refinement of recording and monitoring structures to address the elimination of unreported hazardous waste. Improved collection structure for household hazardous waste- ie through s network of 11 Civic Amenity sites as well as working with the Health and Safety Authority on the DUMP campaign. The East Tip, Haulbowline Island, a legacy of the former steelworks which operated on the Island, was the subject of a European Court of Justice ruling which found the Irish State to be in breach of the Waste Framework Directive. In July 2011 the County Manager agreed to facilitate the regularisation of the site and work commenced on the project in late August of that year. October

120 This regularisation process is structured around a waste licence application, a planning application and a foreshore licence application and will entail the completion of a Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment, an Environmental Impact Statement and an Appropriate Assessment. It is envisaged that the planning application will be made in late December 2012 with the waste licence being submitted thereafter in line with current regulations. Obtained funding from the EPA for a waste prevention officer under the Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN). Among the responsibilities that are assumed by the designated officer is the promotion of hazardous waste prevention and best practice. Commenced a program in 2009 of enforcement actions with regard to the management of hazardous waste arising in small businesses. The control of hazardous waste shipments is fully consolidated under the National Transfrontier Shipment (TFS) Office. Exports of waste from the State have been centrally controlled by the National TFS Office since the 1 st of July 2007 and a new electronic tracking shipment introduced on the 1 st of January 2012 ensures that all hazardous waste movements within the State are also brought under the one National Authority. continues to works closely with the National Transfrontier Shipment (TFS) Office in monitoring the movement of hazardous waste within s functional area as well in monitoring the shipment of waste outside Ireland Recent Legislative Requirements Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC Article 17 of the Directive requires that MemberStates take the necessary action to ensure that the production, collection and transportation of hazardous waste, as well as its storage and treatment, are carried out in conditions providing protection for the environment and human health in order to meet the provisions of Article 13, including action to ensure traceability from production to final destination and control of hazardous waste in order to meet the requirements of articles 35 & 36. Article 18 sets out measures regarding the banning on mixing hazardous waste while article 19 details measures on the labeling of hazardous waste. Article 20 details the non application of certain articles of the Directive to mixed waste produced by households. Article 21 sets down measures with respect to waste oils. It specifically requires the separate collection of waste oils, where technically feasible and economically viable. October

121 Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended SI No 821 of 2007 as amended As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended SI No 820 of 2007 as amended As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. European Communities (Shipments of Hazardous Waste exclusively within Ireland) Regulations S.I. No. 324 of 2011 The European Communities (Shipments of Hazardous Waste exclusively within Ireland) Regulations 2011 were introduced to streamline the administration of legislation on the movement or shipments of hazardous waste exclusively within Ireland. In line with the system of control for shipments of waste from Ireland, the Regulations provide for the designation of Dublin City Council, with effect from 1 st July 2011, as the sole competent authority responsible for supervising and controlling internal shipments of hazardous waste, in accordance with Article 33 of the Waste Shipments Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006. This will have the effect of linking both systems and facilitate better management controls on hazardous waste. European Communities (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment) Regulations SI No 355 of 2011 as amended by SI No 397 of 2011 As referenced in Section of this report. Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008, S.I. No. 268 of 2008 as amended by SI No 556of 2008 As referenced in Section of this report. Waste Management (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005, SI No 341 of 2005 The Waste Management (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, 2005 (S.I. No. 341 of 2005) were also amended in 2008 by the Waste Management (Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances In Electrical And Electronic Equipment)(Amendment) Regulations These Regulations are designed to October

122 promote the recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment and facilitate in particular the achievement of the targets for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment as established by Directive 2002/96/EC. minimise waste arisings of certain hazardous substances by prohibiting the use of certain heavy metals in electrical and electronic equipment as required by Directive 2002/95/EC. The Control of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Regulations 2011, SI No 465 of 2011 Regulation (EC) No. 2037/20003 established rules for the production, import export, placing on the market, use, recovery, recycling, reclamation and destruction of substances, referred to as controlled substances, that deplete the ozone layer. This covers a range of substances including: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); Halons; 1,1,1 trichloroethane; Carbon tetrachloride; Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs); Bromochloromethane (BCM); Methyl bromide. These substances are mostly used in refrigeration, air-conditioning (including heat pump equipment), fire suppression and pest control. Furthermore, some ODS are used as solvents, aerosol sprays and blowing agents. The Regulation prohibits CFCs, halons, 1,1,1 trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, HBFCs, BCM and methyl bromide (with some exceptions). In addition, gradual phase-out and a medium term ban on HCFCs is introduced. While Regulation 2037/2000 is directly binding on all Member States, certain provisions of the Regulation are further implemented in Ireland by the Control of Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer Regulations 2011 SI No 465 of 2011 which revoked S.I. No. 281 of Waste Management (End of Life Vehicle) Regulations 2006 (SI No 282 of 2006 as amended) As referenced in Section of this report. October

123 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 235 of 2010) As referenced in Section of this report. Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007, S.I. No. 419 of 2007 The transfrontier shipment of waste deals with the movement of waste between countries. Transfrontier shipments of waste within, into and out of the EU, for recovery or disposal operations, are governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 on shipments of waste which came into effect on the 12 th July Proposals for the export of waste from, and the import of waste into the Republic of Ireland are subject to the provisions of the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007, S.I. No. 419, introduced on the 5 th of July 2007, which give effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 under Irish Law. The overall objective of the TFS Regulations is to implement measures for the supervision and control of shipments of waste in order to ensure that the movement, recovery, or disposal of waste, is managed in an environmentally sound manner, for the protection of the environment and human health. Waste Management (Registration of Brokers & Dealers) Regulations 2008 (SI No 113 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this Report Assessment The Enforcement Team continues to enforce the regulations pertaining to the producer responsibility initiatives (such as Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment / Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Batteries, Packaging Essential Requirements, Solvents, Decopaints, REACH and End of Life Vehicles) as this should assist in the management of the hazardous components of specified products and also assist with the collection/ reduction of unreported hazardous wastes. Since 2010 the management of household hazardous waste has been facilitated through the Civic Amenity Sites and through the Health and Safety Authority DUMP (dispose of unused medicines properly) campaign for medicines. 156t of household hazardous waste was collected through the Civic Amenity Sites in 2010 (batteries, waste oils, paint & varnish) while 2.6 tones of medicine were collected through the DUMP campaign. The benefits of the DUMP campaign include: October

124 1. Reducing accidental poisonings, suicide attempts using medication and inappropriate sharing of medicines by encouraging members of the public to remove unwanted or unused medicines from their homes. 2. To avoid the environmental damage caused by the inappropriate disposal of medicine (e.g. flushing down toilet or sink) must continue to ensure that hazardous waste is addressed through an integrated approach of prevention, collection and recycling, recovery and disposal. While the actions from the current waste plan are still applicable the proposed actions hereunder take consideration of the National Waste Management Hazardous Plan ( ) with respect to the management of hazardous waste as well as the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC: Promote and support the measures as set down in the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC in relation to hazardous waste where technically and feasibly viable. Continue to support the Health and Safety Authority DUMP (dispose of unused medicines properly) campaign for the collection of medicines. Develop the existing network of Civic Amenity sites to ensure that householders and small businesses can dispose of a full range of hazardous waste at these sites. Provide training to staff of the Council Civic Amenity sites in how to manage hazardous wastes. Continue to enforce the regulations pertaining to the producer responsibility initiatives (such as Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment / Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Batteries, Packaging Essential Requirements, Solvents, Deco- paints, REACH and End of Life Vehicles) as this should assist in the management of the hazardous components of specified products and also assist with the collection/ reduction of unreported hazardous wastes. Enforce the Persistent organic Pollutants (POPS) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PBCs) as this should eliminate these hazardous substances and wastes. Continue to educate the public and small producers on hazardous waste, focusing on ways to prevent, reduce, recycle and source segregate this waste stream. October

125 Work with the Industrial Sector operating within the County, focusing on ways to prevent, reduce, recycle and source segregate hazardous waste Environmental Considerations needs to continue to promote the proper management of hazardous waste in accordance with applicable Regulations and the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan ( ). Failure in ensuring proper management of hazardous waste in accordance with applicable Regulations may from an environment perspective have possible implications for surface water and groundwater depending on how this waste stream is managed Recommendations It is recommended that further key policy objectives/ actions for Hazardous Waste be included to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and associated Regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable and the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan ( ) Sludge Waste (Municipal/ Industrial) Aim The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a Sludge perspective aims to: i) identify strategies for maximizing the beneficial reuse of sludges ii) ensure the sustainability of those reuse options iii) where possible, integrate the management of non hazardous sludges with other environmental policies Waste Generation Table 9.8 hereunder provides a summary of the types and quantities of Sludge collected in Cork County in October

126 Table 9.8 Quantity of Sludge collected in 2010 Sludge Type Origin Cork City Cork County Region Council Council Industrial Sludges 0 6,548 6,491 Wastewater (Sewage) ,359 29,670 Sludge Generation (t) Sewage Cleaning 20 6,155 6,175 Municipal Sludge Sludge (t) Septic Tank Sludge collected (t) 202 5,571 5,773 Water Treatment Sludge collected (t) Total ,488 48,964 Source: Local Authority e-aer system National Progress In 1993, the Department of the Environment published a Strategy Study on Options for the Treatment and Disposal of Sewage Sludge in Ireland. This Strategy Study identified 48 regions nationally, within each of which a hub-centre for sludge treatment was located. Six of these regions were located in County Cork. One of the principal recommendations of the Strategy Study was that Local Authorities would prepare plans for the management of wastewater sludge arising in each of the 48 regions. Each Local Authority initially prepared Sludge Management Plans to quantify the volumes of non hazardous sludge and define the framework policy for the sustainable management of all non hazardous sludge arising within their functional area Local Authority Progress A sludge management plan was prepared for Cork County in 2000 and revised in As nonhazardous sludges form part of the waste stream to be managed, the Waste Management Plan supported the provisions of the 2000 sludge management plan. To date has managed Sludge through the rigorous enforcement of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended, Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010, Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended and the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998 as amended as well as requiring that sludge is spread in accordance with nutrient management plans. At present the majority of sludges generated in Cork County are either landspread or are sent for composting. October

127 In 2008 developed an electronic Sludge Register system to assist it in maintaining a sludge register as required under the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998 as amended. The sludge register system provides for functions including a mechanism for managing sludge sources and their sludge analysis, a mechanism for tracking sludge consignments across the County, data reporting as well as a public sludge register. The provision of the electronic sludge register saw the introduction of a condition on waste collection permits requiring waste collect permit holders where applicable to register on s Sewage Sludge Register System within 3 months of the date of grant of the respective waste collection permit and to provide specific details as required to be inputed on the system via the internet on a monthly basis unless otherwise agreed in writing with Cork County Council. In addition to its data recording capability the system contains a GIS function whereby the destination of the sludge, whether this is a management facility or a landholding, can be presented graphically. The system also has the potential to facilitate the tracking of sludge movements throughout the County in real time. Relevant staff in the Environment and Emergency Services Directorate under went training on the use of the system in May The package has since been purchased by other Local Authorities. s plan for the management of Sludge going forward includes for the appointment of a Contractor whose contract will include the ultimate aim of recovering where possible all municipal water and waste water sludges in the County. The main strategy of the plan going forward includes for: i) Allowing the market maximum flexibility to deliver a long-term cost-effective contract solution for the downstream management of the sludges in the County up to and including their ultimate re-use or recovery, ii) The provision of sludge storage at each individual plant to meet both the operational requirements of the treatment plant and the storage requirements for onward delivery of sludge to the sludge contractor Recent Legislative Requirements Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 820 of 2007 & SI No 87 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 as amended (SI No 821 of 2007 & SI No 86 of 2008) As referenced in Section 5.3 of this report. October

128 Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010 S.I. No. 32/2010 These Regulations provide for the registration and regulation of sewage sludge facilities in order to meet the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive. The Regulations have implications for those involved in the collection and management of sewage sludge or septic tank waste, to register the storage facility with the Local Authority in whose area the facility is located. Under the Regulations Local Authorities are obliged to maintain a register of sludge storage facilities, and can attach conditions of operation to any facility that it registers. Facilities already regulated under other environmental legislation such as licenced facilities under the Waste Management Acts are excluded Assessment The Sludge Management Plan (SMP) which was prepared by in 2000 and revised in 2003 will need to be reviewed and either amended or replaced. s plan for the management of Sludge going forward includes for the appointment of a Contractor whose contract will include the ultimate aim of recovering where possible all municipal water and waste water sludges in the County. In the absence of actions relating to sludges in the current waste plan the following actions are proposed: To ensure that the targets set out in the Sludge Management Plan once the plan is reviewed are implemented on time To ensure continued enforcement of applicable regulations To ensure that nutrient management plans are in place prior to the landspreading of sludge Environment Considerations needs to continue to promote the proper management of sludges in accordance with applicable Regulations. Failure in ensuring proper management of sludges in accordance with applicable regulations may from an environment perspective have possible implications for surface water and groundwater depending on how this waste stream is managed eg it needs to be demonstrated in the case of landspreading of sludge that the quantity and quality of sludge is suitable. October

129 Recommendations In the absence of actions relating to Sludge being in the current plan, it is recommended that key policy objectives for Sludge be included to better reflect and be more elaborate and specific in relation to the management of the waste stream in the County and to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive and associated Regulations are met as well as ensuring that the measures as set out in the Sludge Management Plan are implemented once the plan is reviewed Packaging Waste Aim The overarching policy aim in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 as reviewed in 2009 is to develop an integrated Waste Management System in line with the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. From a packaging waste perspective the policies in the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 aim to decrease the amount of packaging waste being sent to landfill and to increase the rate of recycling Waste Managed The quantity of packaging waste managed on the market in Cork County in 2010 is estimated to be 75,452 tonnes. The quantity of packaging waste landfilled and recovered/recycled is based on packaging waste compositional factors as reported by the EPA in 2010 National Report. It is estimated that in Cork County approximately 19,844 tonnes of packaging waste was landfilled in 2010 and 56,608 tonnes of packaging waste was recovered when national rates are applied. Table 9.9 hereunder provides a summary of how packaging waste was managed in Cork County in 2010 based on the quantity of packaging waste managed on the market. Table 9.9 Packaging Waste managed (Estimate) within Cork County in 2010 Quantity Managed (t) Quantity Recovered (t) National Recovery Rate (%) Quantity Landfilled (t) National Landfilled Rate (%) Quantity Recycled (t) National Recycling Rate (%) 75,452 55, , , Source: Local Authority e-aer system 2010 October

130 Self Compliers The Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 provide for major producers of packaging waste to either join a compliance scheme or self-comply under the Regulations. In addition, all Local Authorities are responsible for enforcement of the Packaging Regulations. The EPA National Waste Report 2010 show there are 5 self compliant companies equating to 9 premises in County Cork placing 568t of packaging waste on the market, of which 304 t was recovered. Repak Ltd Repak Ltd was established to help businesses meet their legal obligations to fund the recovery and recycling of the packaging on the goods or services they supply, as set out in the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations Repak Ltd is an industry funded organisation whose aim it is to facilitate and grow packaging waste recycling. At present Repak Ltd has over 2000 participating companies in membership, and is currently funding the recycling of over 60% of all packaging placed on the Irish market. Currently the participating companies in membership in Repak Ltd in the Cork Region equates to approximately 675 premises National Progress Ireland has achieved great success in recent years in recovering and recycling packaging waste. Packaging waste recovery rates have increased significantly since 1998-up from less than 15% in that year to 60% in Ireland s current performance exceeds current targets by about 10% and meets new targets for 2011 recently set by the EU six years ahead of schedule. A recovery rate of 74% is reported for packaging waste exceeding the EU target of 60% recovery due in A recycling rate of 66% is achieved for packaging waste, exceeding the EU target of 55% due in EU Recycling targets for materials contained in packaging waste were also attained for glass, paper and board, metals, plastic (counting exclusively material that is recycled back into plastics) and wood Local Authority Progress To date has achieved its collection and management of packaging waste through the policy objectives and actions set out in Chapters 2 and 7 of the Waste Management Plan including the following: October

131 Action 40 Service Industry.. will promote the recovery of waste from restaurants, public houses and hotels and will apply the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations to these premises as much of the waste being generated by this sector is recoverable i.e. glass, paper/card and kitchen waste. The Council will pay particular attention to this sector due to the thriving tourism industry in County Cork and the corresponding large number of such premises in the area. will promote the Green Fáilte Award wherever possible. Action 41 Beverage Cans will promote the recovery of aluminium and other metals from beverage cans by encouraging the provision of beverage can banks at the Council s bring sites and Civic Amenity Sites. The Council will also recover this waste stream from the Materials Recovery Facility. Schools will also be encouraged to collect the cans as part of the Green Flag/Schools award scheme. Action 57 Packaging Regulations will discharge all of its responsibilities under the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations which gives Cork County Council the responsibility of enforcing the regulations within the Council s functional area. Action 58 REPAK will assist Repak with their work in the Council s functional area in any way possible in order to assist with compliance of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations. Action 59 Packaging Prevention/Minimisation.. will take the initiative in promoting prevention and minimisation of excess and unnecessary packaging of products, by targeting and educating both consumers and producers. The Council will continue to work with supermarkets in a pro-active way, by providing information on alternatives to packaged goods at point of sale. Action 60 Bring Sites.Recovery of waste packaging will be encouraged through the allocation of additional bring sites around the country, which will allow for the collection of dry recyclables Action 61 Ban on Commercial Glass to Landfills. will continue to ban packaging glass arising in commercial premises from disposal to landfills. This waste stream may be easily separated at source and is readily recyclable, with a well established collection infrastructure and market. Action 62 Public Awareness Particular emphasis will be placed on the prevention and minimisation of waste packaging at source. The recovery of packaging waste by utilising the bring sites and civic amenity sites will also be encouraged. This will be facilitated using the October

132 20/20 Vision News. In addition, more proactive public awareness measures will be explored and implemented as appropriate. Action 63 Shopping Bags The County Council will ensure that supermarkets and other like premises operating within its functional area, will abide by the Plastic Bag Regulations. Action 64 Polyethylene Terephthalate Recycling will continue to investigate the capacity available in the country for recycling Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles collected in Cork County. Efforts will be made to recover this packaging waste through separate collection at bring sites and through the Waste Recovery Facility. continues to manage the packaging waste stream through the rigorous enforcement of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations (SI No 798 of 2007) Recent Legislative Requirements The Packaging Directive 94/62/EC as amended sets down minimum targets for recycling of packaging waste including: 60% as a minimum by weight of packaging waste will be recovered or incinerated at waste incineration plants with energy recovery 55% as a minimum by weight of packaging waste will be recycled. Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 798 of 2007) The 2007 Regulations consolidate the current suite of Regulations - the existing Regulations of 2003 as well as the amending Regulations of 2004 and 2006 respectively - to bring improved clarity, transparency and accessibility to the packaging waste regulatory regime. They also introduce a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland, including a reduction from 25 tonnes to 10 tonnes in the de minimis (i.e. one of the thresholds to determine major producer status) to spread the burden of compliance more equitably across all obligated producers in light of the higher targets that have to be achieved under Directive 2004/12/EC. The principal articles of the Regulations came into effect on 31 March Assessment is active in the enforcement of the Packaging Regulations by undertaking site inspections to ensure compliance, ensuring that producers sign up to the scheme where obliged and police self compliers. The ongoing auditing and monitoring of permit holders is a major contributory factor in achieving policy objectives/ actions as applies to packaging waste. October

133 The Enforcement Team continues to work closely with Repak Ltd resulting in approximately 675 premises currently being registered with Repak Ltd in the Cork Region. In addition the Regulations also banned the landfilling of recyclable commercial packaging waste from the 1 st of March 2003 and this was enforced both at the landfill sites by the managers and through monitoring the annual returns submitted by collection permit holders and the annual environmental returns by facility permit holders Environmental Considerations needs to continue to promote the proper management of waste packaging in accordance with applicable Regulations. Failure in ensuring proper management of waste packaging in accordance with applicable Regulations may from an environment perspective have possible implications for surface water and groundwater depending on how this waste stream is managed Recommendations Substantial progress has been made in relation to the management of packaging waste within the County since the adoption of the plan. This is primarily due to the implementation of the Packaging Regulations, through working closely with Repak Ltd and the active public awareness campaigns and initiatives being pursued by the Council. While the actions from the current waste plan remain relevant it is recommended that the key policy objectives/actions of the waste plan be amended, to ensure that the requirements of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) and associated Regulations are met as well as meeting the measures and actions as set out in the recently published national waste management policy where applicable. October

134 10.0 INFRASTRUCTURE Table 10.1 identifies recommended waste infrastructural developments for the County as outlined in the Waste Plan, the status of developments in 2003 and the current status in Table 10.1 Summary of Waste Infrastructural Developments for the County Proposed Facility Action in Plan Status (2003) Current Status (2012 Aug) Bring Bank Expansion 10 bring sites per year to (at time of publication of the plan 151 Civic Amenity Centres Kerbside Collection Biowaste Collection Materials Recovery Facilities Transfer Stations Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling Facilities Action 34 At least 5 new sites to be provided over the lifetime of the plan Action 38 To ensure the provision of a private/public waste collection service to all households where possible Action 15 A pilot scale study to investigate the feasibility of providing a separate collection system for biowaste- to commence in 2005 Action 29 To develop a Material Recovery Facility Action 33 To continue construction program for transfer stations Action 20 CCC will attempt to recover as much as possible of the C&D waste produced in its functional area Action 39 in % of households provided with a waste collection service in the Cork No developments 2 privately operated MRF 2 operated by CCC and licenced by the EPA 2 operated privately, licenced by the EPA 13 authorised by CCC 0 C & D Recycling Facilities in operation 67% of occupied houses are serviced- No developments LA MRF has not been developed 2 privately operated MRF 2 operated by CCC and licenced by the EPA 3 operated privately and licenced by the EPA 20 authorised by CCC 3 C & D Recycling Facilities in operation October

135 Composting Facilities Energy Recovery Facilities Landfill Facilities General Further investigate the possibility of establishing a greenwaste composting facility. Consideration of this project will be given after the establishment of the Waste Recovery Facility will recover energy from all waste restricted to final disposal where possible Action 47 A new engineered landfill to serve the Cork Region to be provided Action 48 2 authorised by CCC 1 licenced by the EPA 2 authorised by CCC 0 1 authorised by CCC (AD Plant) 4 in operation No landfill in operation in CCC Functional area. New Landfill developed- not in operation In 2010 the majority of municipal, non-municipal and C&D waste collected throughout Cork County was brought to a network of authorised waste management facilities and licensed landfills located throughout the Cork Region for recovery and disposal, respectively. A percentage, however, was exported to authorised facilities outside the Region either directly or via management facilities located within the County. There were four licensed landfills operating within s functional area in 2003, each accepting non-hazardous household, commercial/industrial and C&D waste. These landfills, were located at Youghal, East Cork(Rossmore), Benduff and Derryconnell respectively. 2 of these landfill were in operation in Derryconnell and Youghal. In addition in 2010 there were 5 privately operated material recovery facilities/ transfer stations licensed by the EPA in Cork County and 126 facilities permitted by. Of the 126 facilities permitted two were composting facilities. Where waste was neither landfilled within the County nor exported directly out of the County it was brought to one of the licensed or permitted facilities for sorting, recovery and/or bulking up prior to transport for disposal or recycling. It was recorded that 43,355t of household and commercial/non processed industrial waste was landfilled in Cork County in 2010 while 91,637t was exported to landfills outside Cork County. These landfills included Knockharley Landfill (Co. Meath), Drehid Waste Management Facility (Co Kildare), KTK Landfill (Co. Kildare) and Gortadroma Landfill (Co. Limerick) for disposal. The recyclables from the waste management facilities were transported out of the County for October

136 recovery/recycling. C&D waste arisings recorded, excluding the hazardous portion, were generally recovered within the County ie approximately 81%. In addition it was noted that hazardous waste collected within the County was transported out of the County for treatment and/or disposal. Local Authority Progress The Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 includes policy objectives and targets as set down hereunder for the provision of an integrated waste management infrastructure: Waste Recycling and Recovery Facilities Action 34 Bring Sites up to 2009 will develop at least 10 Bring Sites per year to 2009, for public use. These bring sites will be located at the most beneficial sites, having regard to the population of the area, the level of waste producing activity in the area and the closeness of other bring sites. The Council will investigate potential sites for these facilities. Possible sites for the location of bring sites may include church/church hall car-parks across the county, where ample space is available for parking and collection of the waste which would be carried out on days and at times when the least traffic is about the grounds (i.e. weekday afternoons). The Council will also endeavour to ensure that a bring site be established in conjunction with all new housing estates over a specified size. will further decide on the best terminology to be used to describe these sites, e.g. Recycling Centres, Bring Sites, etc. considers that the optimum position has been arrived at with the provision of 151 Bring Sites throughout the County for efficient servicing and collection by the service agent. Action 20 Waste Transfer Stations.. will continue its construction programme for transfer stations to aid the efficient collection of waste in the county. These will be located at Castletownbere (already constructed), Clonakilty (almost complete), Mallow, Bantry, Fermoy, Kanturk/Millstreet/Macroom area and Skibbereen/Schull area. Action 38 Civic Amenity Sites. will provide Civic Amenity Sites around Cork County which will complement other waste management facilities planned for the County. There are already five such facilities, with Macroom being the only stand-alone one at present. These Civic Amenity Sites will serve to collect waste commonly collected at bring sites, but also bulky wastes such as electrical appliances, tyres and large garden wastes etc. Household hazardous waste such as fluorescent tubes, batteries, waste oil, paint tins etc. will also be collected at this facility. These facilities will be located at Mallow, Macroom, Bantry, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Fermoy, Newmarket, Charleville, Mitchelstown, Skibbereen/Schull area, Dunmanway, Kinsale/Bandon, Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Youghal, Midleton, October

137 Blarney/Tower, and Glanmire/Cobh. At least five new sites will be provided in the next five years. Site selection is underway at present for a number of locations. has completed its construction programme for the development of transfer stations/ civic amenity sites for the present to aid the efficient collection and disposal of waste in the county. The list of completed Transfer Stations/ Civic Amenity Sites as provided by the Council in the County are located in: Youghal, Rossmore, Raffeen, Bandon, Clonakilty, Derryconnell, Castletownbere, Macroom, Millstreet, Kanturk and Mallow. Biological Treatment & Organic Waste Action 33 Waste Recovery Facility.. will develop a Materials Recovery Facility in co-operation with Cork City Council which will serve both County and City. This facility will allow for active segregation of a large number of waste streams and for their more effective recovery and disposal... Action 37 Greenwaste Composting. will further investigate the possibility of establishing a Greenwaste Composting Facility possibly in conjunction with Cork Corporation, capable of composting greenwaste from the Cork Region. The type of waste recycled by this facility would include bulky garden waste unsuitable for home composting, and greenwaste arising from local authority parks and hedgerow maintenance and also from suitable commercial and industrial companies such as landscape gardeners. In January 2011, a decision was taken not to proceed with the development of a Material Recovery Facility at Rossmore, Carrigtwohill, the Council proceeded with the procurement of a waste recovery facility service rather than the development of a Local Authority owned waste recovery facility Green waste is currently collected at 9 out of the 11 transfer stations/civic amenity sites operated by the County Council and sent to a composting facility for processing thus reducing the quantities of biodegradable waste being landfilled in line with the Council Directive on the Landfill of Waste (1999/31/EC). This process allows the production of a high-quality readily marketable compost component suitable for horticultural end-uses. Christmas trees are accepted at Civic Amenity sites within Cork County free of charge up to 31 st January each year. Waste Disposal Infrastructure Action 48 Engineered Landfilling. will provide a new engineered landfill to serve the Cork region of which Cork City Council is a part. The proposed site is being designed and will be constructed and operated to the highest international standards in October

138 compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency s Landfill Manuals and the EU Landfill Directive. The Cork Region Waste Management Strategy recommended that a new landfill be provided that will serve the whole of the Cork Region, county and city. The provision of this landfill is also in accordance with Changing Our Ways, which recommends the reduction of the number of landfills throughout the country from 120 local landfills to 20 regional landfills. This also allows for better economies of scale, and the provision of improved landfill gas and leachate treatment systems. The site selection process for this proposed landfill has been completed, and Approval has been granted by An Bord Pleanála. A decision from the Environmental Protection on a Waste Licence application is expected before the end of May 2004 The EPA granted a Waste Licence to for Bottlehill Landfill in June of Following this a new engineered landfill was constructed, tested and commissioned at Bottlehill, Burnfort, Mallow. The facility was handed over to in August of In accordance with the conditions of An Bord Pleanála, an access road from the junction of Lissavoura Cross on the N20 to the Landfill entrance was constructed. Due to national economic factors and a downturn in the economy, operational and environmental costs including an increase in the landfill levy, the landfill has not yet opened for the provision of a waste disposal service. Photo of Bottlehill Landfill A key theme of the recently published national policy is to move from an over reliance on disposal to the virtual elimination of landfill as a municipal waste option, in favour of more sustainable waste management approaches in the higher tiers of the waste hierarchy. Consideration must now be given to the future use of Bottlehill and its possible reconfiguration/redevelopment to assist in the provision of facilities to meet the waste infrastructural needs of the region. The reconfiguration/ redevelopment of the site in Bottlehill would require that a new plan be developed for Cork County. Not withstanding the aforementioned there will continue to be for the foreseeable future in Ireland a demand for good residual landfills in one or more of the new waste management regions signaled in the recently published national waste policy. Bottlehill Landfill is an appropriate purpose built and October