The 2012 National Waste Report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shown that Repak has exceeded all national and EU targets for packaging recycling. The report, which provides information on trends in waste generation and management, shows that Repak was responsible for the recovery of 84% of the total packaging waste generated in 2012. This figure exceeds all European targets by 27%.
More generally, Ireland’s recovery rate for packaging waste in 2012 was 87% - ahead of the Packaging Directive target of 60%. In addition, the total amount of packaging waste generated (809,500 tonnes in 2012) has not changed significantly since 2011. However, there was a decrease in the quantity landfilled: down from 181,317 tonnes in 2011 to 108,764 tonnes in 2012. This decrease could be a consequence of the diversion of residual waste from landfill to energy recovery.
“The EPA report helps to showcase the success of Repak and its members in exceeding packaging recycling targets,” said Seamus Clancy, Chief Executive Officer Repak. “We will endeavour to build upon the Irish public’s awareness of best packaging recycling practices to ensure our continued success.”
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Nathan Evans.
