Basic HTML Version
Ireland’s Environment 2012
64
Hazardous Waste
Waste is classified as being hazardous
when it displays properties that make
it dangerous or potentially harmful
to human health or the environment.
Industry is the largest generator of
hazardous waste in Ireland, though
notable amounts are also generated
by healthcare activities, households,
educational facilities, small
businesses and other organisations.
The quantity of hazardous waste
managed in 2010 decreased by
less than 1% from 2009, to 288
thousand tonnes, and originated
primarily from the pharmaceutical
and chemical industries. Hazardous
waste generation is a good surrogate
for the economic performance
of the manufacturing sector, and
the modest decline in recent years
confirms the stability of this sector
despite the economic challenges.
Of the 288 thousand tonnes of
hazardous waste reported in 2010,
approximately 26% is treated on the
site of production (e.g. distillation,
on-site incineration and on-site
landfill), and of the remainder,
143 thousand tonnes – or 50%
– is exported for treatment. Four
European countries take 91% of
Ireland’s hazardous waste exports
(UK, Germany, Belgium and the
Netherlands).
Figure 5.6
Progress towards EU ELV Recovery Targets (Source: EPA)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Total reuse and recycling
Total reuse and recovery
Total reuse and recycling
Total reuse and recovery
2009
2010
Reuse and recycling 80%
Reuse and recovery 85%
2006 ELV Directive targets
2009
2010
Reuse and recycling 85%
Reuse and recovery 95%
2015 ELV Directive targets
%
%
Figure 5.7
Distribution of Landfill Capacity in Ireland (Source: EPA)
40
0
40
20
Km
© Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved. Licence number EN 0059208.
Connaught Region
Donegal
North-East Region
Northern Ireland
Midlands Region
Kildare
Wicklow
Dublin
Limerick-Clare-Kerry Region
Cork
South-East Region
Approx. Remaining Life Expectancy by
Waste Management Planning Region
Northern Ireland
= 3 years
4 - 10 years
>10 years
N
Ù