Speaking at the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration Conference organised by the Environment Protection Agency, Tony Killeen revealed that recycling efforts in the country have proved to be successful, but added that these gains were “being offset” by increases in the volume of waste being produced.

The Minister stressed that existing waste prevention policies would achieve enough to meet international targets and added that the recently announced waste review will look at best practice models and examine how these might be applied in Ireland.

“We should recycle and recover all our waste – but we must generate less waste to recycle,” Mr Killeen explained.

“Businesses must reduce their costs if they wish to remain competitive and the most effective way of reducing costs including recycling costs is to prevent waste coming in the door in the first instance.”

Recently, officials in northern and southern Ireland held talks to discuss how illegal dumping activities could be reduced.

James Cooper

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