Press Release - 31st October, 2006
It's Time to Abandon Incineration As Ireland Fails To Fulfil Its Kyoto Commitment On Green House Gas Emissions
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Ireland was named as one of the seven countries within the EU who have failed to reduce Co2 emissions, which are binding under EU law. A spokesperson from CHASE said that the Governments policy of promoting mass incineration as a form of waste management makes no sense, in the light of such overwhelming evidence. Mass incineration of waste releases vast quantities of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere increasing our greenhouse gas emissions.

Ireland is projected to reach 30 % above the1990 levels by 2010, against an allowance of 13% which should be its target. As well as contributing to the CO2 footprint, mass incineration represents a waste of resources and a waste of energy. If Ireland is to fulfil its obligations under EU law and our Kyoto commitment it must rethink its approach to waste management as we can deal with our waste and meet the landfill directive without mass incineration.

“By using a flexible pick and mix option of source separation, kerbside collection, composting, recycling and mechanical screening to deal with municipal waste, we can contribute to the economic, social and environmental goals of sustainable development. This moves us from a time when we could simply landfill or incinerate mixed unsorted waste into an era of “steaming “ materials into their highest economic and environmental value “ (Peter Jones, Director Biffa Waste Services)

It has never been more important than now for us to ensure that we manage our waste in the most sensitive and environmentally sustainable way possible.

ENDS

For further information:
Mary Hurley, CHASE PRO, 021 4813070 086 8162448
Mary O’Leary, CHASE Chairperson, 021 4811952 086 8177737