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

number of objectives, the last of these specifically relevant to the issue of POPs and
their generation from (thermal) waste treatment: 1097
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“to reduce air soil and water pollution from incineration and comply with the
Stockholm Convention”
The second point here implies that waste minimisation, and diversion of material up
the waste hierarchy (or to non-thermal waste treatment technologies) should be
encouraged in the first instance, thereby reducing the quantity of material which may
give rise to POPs from thermal treatment. There are some issues here in respect of
some of the recycling processes themselves (at least where, for example, flame
retardants are concerned).
Where recycling is not possible, the aim should design out substances of concern,
through, for example, producer responsibility measures, or more generally,
implementing substance bans.
In respect of treatment, the issue of “priority consideration to alternative processes,
techniques or practices that have similar usefulness but which avoid the formation
and release of PCDD/PCDF, HCB, PCB and PAHs” remains of significance. It would
appear to be of some relevance to ensure that guidance is produced detailing how
the requirement to give ‘priority consideration’ is to be implemented.
The full scope of the measures to tackle POPs need to be addressed within the
National Implementation Plan. In addition to the currently legislated requirements, a
forward looking plan will need to consider the new POPs added at the most recent
Conference of the Parties. It is notable that the EPA has demonstrated its ability to
take such a forward look in respect of monitoring.
1097 Eunomia (2009) Section 60 Policy Direction Capping Incineration of Municipal Waste and Other
Matters, Environmental Report for DoEHLG, June 2009.