The amount of waste exported for use as a fuel rose by 197% between 2012 and 2013, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

2013 figures revealed that Ireland is sending less residual waste to landfill and more to energy recovery.

Dr Jonathan Derham, EPA Programme Manager, said: "The figures indicate a number of positive developments. In particular, the EPA welcomes the continued movement of residual waste away from landfill to energy recovery. However, an increasing reliance on the export of such waste is unsustainable. This represents a lost opportunity in terms of potential energy recovery and jobs for the State. This needs to be countered with national waste infrastructure to bring forward opportunities for the re-use of value-added material and create a circular economy."

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There was a slight increase in the quantity of household waste collected in 2013. The trend in household waste managed per person in the State has, however, remained relatively stable since 2011.

There was a slight increase in municipal waste treated at composting facilities in 2013.

National legislation introduced in 2013, governing the separate collection of household food waste, is expected to have a positive impact on the quantity of municipal waste undergoing composting and anaerobic digestion. Such waste has not shown any significant increase since 2011. The roll out of the brown bin to households on a phased basis commenced in July 2013 and will be completed by July 2016.

(CD/MH)