The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has released a Proposed National Hazardous Waste Management Plan for the prevention, reduction and management of hazardous waste in Ireland.

The primary objectives of the Proposed Plan are to prevent and minimise hazardous waste and to manage, in an environmentally-sound manner, hazardous waste which cannot be prevented.

The largest quantity of hazardous waste is generated by Irish industry and includes such materials as industrial solvents, waste oils, industrial sludges and chemical wastes.

Households, small businesses, farms and the healthcare and construction sectors also generate large quantities of hazardous waste including batteries, electrical equipment, healthcare risk waste, solvent based paint, varnish waste, sheep dip and fluorescent lamps.

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A period of public consultation is now open and written submissions are sought until January 31 2008.

Dr Gerry Byrne, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use said: "The bulk of hazardous waste generated by industry is well managed and therefore the focus for industrial sectors is on minimising the quantity of hazardous waste generated. In other sectors such as households, small businesses and farms, there is room for improvement in the collection of hazardous waste. We must establish improved and tailored systems for the management and collection of this hazardous waste."

The quantity of hazardous waste generated in 2006 was 284,184 tonnes, an 8 per cent decrease since 2004.

The majority of this waste is generated by Irish industry and is generally managed properly. Some 47 per cent of Irish hazardous waste is exported for treatment and disposal, mostly for thermal treatment (incineration and use as fuel), but also for metal recovery, solvent recovery and landfill. The balance is treated at the industrial facilities where it is generated or in a network of 15 authorised hazardous waste treatment facilities in Ireland.

(GK/JM)