Following the recent Repak Annual General Meeting(AGM), it has been revealed that Ireland is one of the leading countries within the EU for packaging recycling. Overall recycling results in 2014 were at 71%, well ahead of the 65% Government approved target.
In 2014, a total of 812,046 tonnes of household waste was recovered, a figure that is 14% higher than that of 2013. Paper accounted for the largest volume of tonnes recycled at just under half of the total volume followed by glass(21%) and plastic(12%).
Repak also reported that its member’s fees have remained unchanged since 2008. These are amongst the lowest in Europe and will remain unchanged until December 2018. Member numbers have also remained the same for 2014 demonstrating that Repak is the best compliance option for businesses.
Last year, as a special incentive, Repak introduced a 5% fee rebate to complaint members. The rebate has seen a very strong take up by members and is expected to return an estimated €1 million to those companies in 2015.
Speaking at Repak’s the AGM, Seamus Clancy, CEO said; “2014 has been a turning point for Repak. We have continued to increase our recycling and recovery rates year on year, keeping Ireland amongst the top in Europe, while ensuring there is no increase in fees to our members. We have seen our approval to act as a compliance scheme extended to 2019, the agreement of a five-year strategic plan and for every one euro spent, 82% went into direct recycling. This is due to the support and contribution of our members.
“There will be challenges ahead for Repak and its members due to new targets and ambitions being proposed by Brussels as part of the Circular Economy Package to extend producer responsibility. We will continue to work with our associates across the EU member states to facilitate a common and realistic approach to what Irish businesses can deliver,” he concluded.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
