Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 5:30pm

Waste plan to focus on recycling and illegal dumping

The Midlands' region is recycling 39% of all waste collected and intends to increase that to 46% by 2013.

The figures were contained in the fourth progress report on the implementation of the Waste Management Plan for Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Laois and North Tipperary.

However, the level of uncollected household waste in the region is "unacceptably high" at 37% and the causes and full extent of the problem need to be identified. The report said that strategies to prevent the illegal disposal of waste need to be developed.

"With the economic downturn and the increases (existing and proposed) in the landfill levy, 2009 was a very challenging year for Local Authority operated landfills," said County Manager Danny McLoughlin. He said that this, in conjunction with the requirements of the revised landfill licences means that the future and commercial viability of the typical Local Authority landfill is "under threat".

"Illegal dumping of waste is an ever increasing challenge and the primary focus of our enforcement resources was in combating this illegal activity," he added.

During this year, the council plan to introduce the Brown Bin service to both Mullingar and Athlone, with Moate coming on board early next year, advance the rationalisation of residual landfills in the region after the closure of Ballydonagh, enfore the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations for commercial premises, provide information on biodegradeable waste and composting for householders, extend the recycling infrastructure, continue to support the Green Schools programme and focus on secondary school participation, promote sustainable waste management practices in the business and commercial sector and finally, progress national policy on climate change.

This is the final year of the Waste Management Plan 2005-2010.