Recycling rises by 53 per cent

Recycling rises by 53 per cent across Mayo


Anton McNulty

RECYCLING in Mayo rose by 53 per cent in 2007, with households now recycling 17,458 tonnes per year.  Figures published by the Environmental Protection Agency in their Annual Highlights Report for 2008 show that 32 per cent of household waste in Mayo is recycled.
The report outlines the EPA’s work in the areas of waste management, clean air, protected soil and biodiversity, sustainable use of resources, the integration and enforcement roles of the EPA and the area of water quality.
The report states that while Ireland is making good progress with recycling, the increase in the amount of waste being brought to landfill means that Ireland is facing significant challenges to meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive to restrict the quantity of biodegradable waste going to disposal.
The Annual Highlights Report 2008 outlines the four main environmental challenges for Ireland to address in the coming years. They are: limiting and adapting to climate change; reversing environmental degradation, particularly in relation to water pollution and the conservation status of habitats; mainstreaming environmental considerations across all sectors of the economy, and complying with environmental legislation and agreements.
In launching the report, Dr Mary Kelly, Director General of the EPA, said: “At the beginning of 2008, there was little indication that the world was facing an economic crisis on the scale we have witnessed. This is happening at a time when we are also facing the twin environmental challenges of a climate change crisis. Early warnings about the potentially catastrophic effects of climate change must be heeded and a more sustainable approach to natural capital must be adopted.
“Fundamental changes will be required to ensure that economic recovery, when it comes, is low-carbon economic recovery which is sustainable both economically and environmentally. There are also significant economic opportunities for Ireland in becoming a low-carbon and greener economy. The Smart Green Economy must be pursued.”