Waste and resource management

Description:

Ireland’s waste, recycling and related industries have changed dramatically in the last decade and continue this dynamism at a rapid pace. Political and technological shifts have spurred a revolution in how the EU and Ireland regulate the provision of waste services, the landfilling of waste and the concept of “resource recovery.” The Environment Policy Committee (EPC)’s Waste and Resource Management Working Group helps ensure that Irish business, as waste producers, and the waste industry itself remain at the forefront of this trend, and looks to enable fast and efficient adaptation and innovation while maintaining close ties to law and policy makers in pursuit of a balanced regulatory approach.

Implication(s):

As producers of waste, Irish businesses are responsible for ensuring that their waste is properly disposed of and are in many cases directly liable for the cost of improper waste disposal or pollution. How this responsibility is met is becoming increasingly complex not only from a legal standpoint but also in terms of the practical challenge of complying with Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRIs). And as both policy and industry increasingly re-think waste-streams into resources, so change the roles of PRIs and service providers. Infrastructure planning must consider this dynamic landscape. Waste producers and service providers must stay abreast of legislative trends and maintain positive relationships with regulators.

Current Position:

Ibec supports the continuous development of a national waste policy that encourages innovative infrastructure development and the cost effective delivery of waste and resources management services through PRIs and public and private providers. The EPC Waste and Resource Management Working Group recently re-convened with an expanded membership that brings together the views of waste producers and service providers alike. The Group monitors the development of waste legislation, various waste management plans, as well as the form and function of PRIs. The EPC also works closely with Ibec Sectors to ensure a diverse array of member views informs its work.

Contact:

Órla Casey
Phone: +353 1 605 1526
Email: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie

Last Updated: 08/23/2013