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Roche Announces National figures for WEEE collection

07/04/06

- Ireland Surpasses EU 2008 Targets -

Mr. Dick Roche TD Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government today (7 April, 06) announced that over 14,500 tonnes of Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment has been collected for recycling in less than 7 months under the new WEEE scheme, which has been successful beyond all expectations.  In the period from 13 August 05 to end of February this year 14,587 tonnes were collected nationally.  This is the equivalent to an annual collection rate of 6.7Kg per person.  Our EU target is to reach 4KG per person by 2008.  This is waste that the UN has described as the most polluting waste in the waste stream.  Included in this 14,500 tonnes is over 11,000 tonnes of fridges and freezers and over 1,000 TVs.

“This is a stunning performance”, said Minister Roche.  “We are already running over 50% above our 2008 target”. Ireland was one of the first European countries to introduce this major initiative, which was severely criticised by members of the Opposition when it was introduced last summer. Fine Gael claimed the scheme was ‘botched’ and left consumers and retailers confused. The Labour Party predicted it would impose a huge burden on business and indeed bankrupt small businesses- they added that we should ‘go back to the drawing board’. Clearly, the prophets of doom in both parties were off the mark.’’

The truth is that this Government by creating a fully integrated recycling regime has significantly enhanced our environment.  As in earlier initiatives such as the ban on smoking in the workplace and the highly successful plastic bag levy the WEEE initiative has demonstrated that Ireland can lead the field.   I am delighted that both the industry and consumers have so successfully met the WEEE Directive challenge and I want to compliment all those in the industry, the retail trade and the public who have worked so hard to make this initiative the wonderful success that it is.
ENDS

Media queries:
Press and Information Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638  (direct)
(01) 888 2000
E-Mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web site: www.environ.ie

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