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

out under Article 5 of the EU Landfill Directive (see Annex 51.0). It followed the
development of a National Biodegradable Waste Strategy.
33.3 When was the Policy Introduced?
As mentioned above, the Circular was issued 31 July 2008. However, it does not
appear to set a deadline for implementation of what is proposed. Indeed, response to
the Circular appears to have been patchy. Some authorities are in the process of
rolling out brown bin collections, but several authorities and private sector operators
have tended to drag their feet somewhat. The private sector collectors might be
expected to maintain this approach in the absence of changes to their collection
permits. Some collectors’ permits have been changed to reflect this Circular.
33.4 Key Organisations Involved in Implementation and
Management
Key players are expected to be local authorities, since they have the power to
introduce measures, through the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations
2007, which require collection of specific materials, and also, the power to introduce
bye-laws which place obligations on the waste producers (households or businesses)
to segregate specific wastes.
The Regions, of which the local authorities are part, are expected to report progress in
annual progress reports submitted to the Department regarding their waste
management plans. They are also expected to ensure that they identify capacity (or,
presumably, ensure that such capacity can be provided) where separate collections
are to be introduced.
The EPA is also expected to play a role through disseminating best practice, not least
in the area of home composting as part of its lead in the National Waste Prevention
programme. It also has a key role in the collection of data, although this data tends to
appear a time lag of the order one year.
Cré, the Composting Association of Ireland, is also expected to play a role since, in
partnership with the Institute of Technology Sligo and FÁS, it has developed a training
course aimed at facility operators, regulators, planners/designers, which the Circular
promotes engagement with.
33.5 Monitoring and Measurement Techniques Applied
A key mechanism for monitoring progress would be expected to be the EPA’s National
Waste Reports and, at present, the annual reports on progress regarding
implementation of the regional waste management plans. However, regarding the
latter, we note that few regions have issued such reports thus far. We also note that
the recommendations in the Main Report include the proposal to effectively do away
with the regions for the purpose of waste management planning.
33.6 Evaluation Studies Available
None available (insufficient time elapsed). Even so, anecdotal evidence suggests that
progress has been slow. This is not entirely unexpected. Both local authorities and
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