Incineration No Longer Government Policy
September 2007

In recent weeks, Minister for the Environment John Gormley has made several statements on Ireland's waste policy going forwards. The following aspects of the new waste policy are particularly pertinent to the use of incinerators as a waste management tool.

Incineration no longer cornerstoner of waste management policy
'Incineration is no longer the corner stone of our waste management policy', the Minister stated in August at the CoolEarth Fair.' 'This government has a different approach to waste management. We believe the waste hierarchy is paramount. Real emphasis has to be placed on reduction, reuse, and recycling first. Let us be clear: we do not see incineration or thermal treatment as a form of recovery. It is a form of disposal.'

Put or pay clauses to be blocked
'Put or pay' clauses, which guarantee a waste stream to incinerator firms are now out of the equation'. These clauses oblige a local authority to provide a certain volume of waste to the incinerator or else compensate the waste company.

Levy on incinerations to be considered
The Minister also announced that he wants to introduce a levy on incinerators similar to those currently imposed on landfills. And he wishes to increase the levy substantially from the current figure.

These changes to waste management polichy would make incinerators less financially attractive for developers.

Gormley outlines stance on waste
Irish Examiner - 29-06-07

Gormley moves against incineration projects
Sunday Business Post - 29-07-07

Incineration no longer Govenment Policy, says Environment Minister
Green Party Statement - 26-08-07

Government to strip councils of waste powers
Sunday Business Post - 02-09-07

Gormley to consider levy on incineration
Irish Times - 03-09-07

Gormley plan may undermine incineration
RTE - 03-09-07

Minister denies bid to sway planning outcome
Irish Times - 04-09-07

Gormley wants to extend waste levy to incinerators
Irish Times - 04-09-07

Gormley: government agreed waste levies
Irish Examiner - 04-09-07