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

39.0 Review of Irish Policy, Construction &
Demolition Waste
39.1 Background:
The National Waste Database defines C&D Waste as ‘all waste that arises from
construction, renovation and demolition activities and all waste mentioned in Chapter
17 of the European Waste Catalogue (EMC). The C&D wastes listed in Chapter 17 of
the catalogue include 44 waste types, 16 of which have been classified as hazardous
wastes. The treatment, collection, transfer and disposal of hazardous material are
subject to additional regulatory controls under the Waste Management (Hazardous
Waste) Regulations 1998.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste is a very significant component of the
overall waste stream in Ireland, particularly with the high levels of building and
development in recent years.
C&D waste management in Ireland has historically been characterised by an overreliance
on landfill as a disposal route.
According to the 2007 National Waste Report published by the EPA, Construction and
Demolition waste generation increased by 5.8% since 2006 to an all-time high of
almost 18 million tonnes, including approximately 4 million tonnes of waste other
than soil and stones. The data on this huge and important waste stream is sparse
and reported recycling rates are down on previous years.
New momentum is required if the construction industry is to demonstrate its progress
towards the targets and objectives set out in national policy and in the industry’s own
voluntary initiative (discussed below) for the improved management of C&D waste.
The downturn in the Irish construction industry experienced from late 2007 onwards
has no doubt influenced the quantities of C&D waste generated in 2008 and 2009.
This downturn coupled with the recent financial crisis experienced worldwide will
most likely impose a downward pressure on the quantities of C&D waste generated in
the short to medium term. It is probable that a downward trend in C&D quantities will
appear in 2008 and 2009, and will be validated, subsequently, in the 2008 National
Waste Report to be published by the EPA. Effects of possible reduced government
spending on the delivery of the National Development Plan may further impinge on
the generation of C&D waste into the future.
It is reasonable to relate the current uncertainty and challenges in the Irish economy
to an uncertainty in quantities of C&D waste to be generated in the coming years.
Irrespective of the quantities of waste that will be generated in the future, continued
progress must be made in C&D waste prevention, minimisation, reuse and recycling.
39.1.1 Prevention of C&D Waste – General Overview
While recycling of C&D waste has the benefit of controlling the extent of waste
disposal and reducing overall transportation costs, prevention is the most desirable
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International Review of Waste Policy: Annexes