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

59.3 Looking Forward
In order to be aligned with the Waste Framework Directive (see Annex 1.0), and to
pre-empt 2014 revisions, a forward looking approach would (with regard to targets):
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1. Develop Develop objectives objectives in in line line with with the the hierarchy hierarchy outlined in in in Article Article 4 4 of the WFD;
2. Include a specific programme for waste prevention prevention. prevention
A forward looking strategy
would pre-empt the decoupling objective foreseen by the WFD;
3. Put Put in in place place means means to to ensure ensure that that targets targets for for recycling recycling of of at at least least 50% 50% from
from
household household waste waste and and 70% 70% from from constructi construction constructi on and demolition waste waste are are met met in
the spirit of pre-empting the WFD objectives;
4. Ensure Ensure that that mechanisms mechanisms are are in in place place which which lead lead to to the the separate separate collection collection of
of
glass, glass, glass, metals, metals, metals, paper paper paper and and and plastic plastic plastic (where (where (where appropriate),
appropriate), appropriate), again pre-empting the
WFD requirements. This requirement relates to materials rather than specific
waste streams, and does not apply to household / municipal waste waste only only; only
5. Implement mplement mplement measures measures designed designed to to lead lead to to separate separate collection collection of of biowaste, biowaste, but but
this this this should should should be be be extended extended extended beyond beyond beyond the the the municipal municipal municipal waste waste waste str stream str stream
eam; eam
6. Implement policies policies or or mechanisms mechanisms that that encourage the use use of of products products of
biowaste biowaste management
management;
management
management
7. Include a vision vision which which might might include the concept of resource resource efficiency efficiency. efficiency
These would appear to be more or less essential components of policy for Ireland if it
is intended that this review should be relatively robust over time. Indeed, one might
argue that genuinely progressive policy would go some way beyond these measures
and targets since they may yet become the minimum requirements for policy which
seeks to defend itself from the need for constant updating.
The types of target which should set are likely to be:
� Reducing the quantity of household waste generated relative to an existing
trend;
� Reducing the quantity of other wastes generated against existing trends.
These targets should be set with a view to linking to output measures (in other
words, they should seek to embody some measure of the efficiency of
resource us – if they do not reflect output measures, then declining use can
simply reflect changing economic structures). If these targets cannot be set,
because of data limitations, then they should not be included at this juncture;
� Targets which promote recycling of household wastes;
� Targets for recycling of commercial and industrial wastes;
� Targets for recycling construction and demolition wastes;
� Targets related to the phasing out of landfilling of specific waste streams /
waste which has not been pre-treated. This component is already in
development through the EPA.
In the medium term, it may be appropriate for Ireland to set climate change-related
targets. Several countries already seek to measure climate change impacts, and
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