Figures published in 2009 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that 6.9% more household waste was recycled in the Waterford area in 2007 compared to the previous year.
According to the EPA, Waterford homes recycled 9,457 tonnes of waste by using green bins, brown bins, home composting, bring banks and civic amenity centres. The Agency’s Annual Highlights Report 2008 states that while Ireland is making good progress with recycling, the increase in the amount of waste being brought to landfill means that Ireland is facing significant challenges to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive to restrict the quantity of biodegradable waste going to disposal.
In launching the report, Dr Mary Kelly, Director General of the EPA, said early warnings about the potentially catastrophic effects of climate change must be heeded and a more sustainable approach to natural capital adopted. “Dealing with these challenges will be made all the more difficult due to the economic downturn but failure to do so would be extremely shortsighted and will repeat failures of the past which have left Ireland with many legacy issues to address. We need to stop playing catch-up on the environment.”
