International Review of Waste Management Policy - Department of ...

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� instability and price fluctuations of the markets for recyclable materials;
� limited alternative outlets (in some cases due to quality requirements for
potential outlet uses being undeveloped);
� lack of approved existing standards for recycled waste packaging products;
and
� lack of financial support to businesses to extend capability for reprocessing of
materials.
More recently, the DoEHLG has also administered the convening and meeting in
November 2008 of the Action Group on Recyclates Markets 239 in communication with
the IWMA:
29/09/09
“Arising from a significant collapse of prices in the recyclate market, the
IWMA sought a meeting with the Department to highlight immediate concerns
with regard to storage of materials. Following on from this the Department
issued a circular to local authorities setting out a range of permitting and
licensing options for the industry, as outlined by the EPA.”
This Action Group on Recyclates Markets is focusing on addressing current actions
that may specifically be required in the current economic market environment, and in
relation to compliance requirements in the context of difficult recyclates markets.
Some of the action points arising from the November 2008 meeting included:
“In relation to markets, the Market Development Programme team will be
asked to compile a database of outlets / companies that accept recyclates in
Ireland to promote the movement of these goods”
“The development of a national brokerage for recyclates to ensure that Irish
companies have help in achieving better deals in world markets is to be
examined”
“The Market Development Programme work plan will be reviewed to take
account of the need to provide high quality paper and plastic in order to
secure markets, and the growing importance of developing an indigenous
recycling industry”
“An additional €2 million will be provided in 2009 to underpin the local
authority recycling infrastructure and public confidence in recycling”.
12.8.3 Packaging Prevention Policy Measures
Article 15 of the regulations effectively requires major producers to prepare plans
which set out the measures to be taken to prevent or minimise packaging waste. This
is one of the Articles which Major Producers are effectively exempted from through
their membership of a compliance scheme. However, Part VI of the Regulations refers
to the ‘Essential requirements of packaging’ and European standards, so that whilst
239 DoEHLG (2008) Action Group on Recyclates Markets 1 st Report, December 2008.