Targets set by the EU Landfill Directive do not look set to be met by the 2010 deadline.

In total, the country could face an annual fine of Euro 180m to 270m until it complies with the requirements, an independent report has suggested.

The directive requires Ireland to only allow 970,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste to reach landfills, but the current amount is 1.4m.

Greenstar, the creator of the report said: “The largest sub-stream that remains relatively poorly targeted is organic wastes.

“It is quite clear that targeted collection of organic wastes would have a role to play in meeting landfill directive targets, given the estimated magnitude of the stream and the low capture rate at present.”

Biodegradable waste, including food, paper, garden waste, wood and textiles must reduce even further by 2013 to 645,000 tonnes, the EU directive states.

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