Waste Management Plan 2004 - 2009

Contents

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Preface
• Waste Management Policy and Legislation
• Public Awareness and waste avoidance
• Waste Collection and Reception in Cork City
• Waste Generation in Cork City
• Waste Minmisation and Recover in Cork City
• Waste Disposal in Cork City
• Anticipated Development and Trends
• Waste Management Action for 2004 - 2005
• Appendices

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Cork City Council has formulated this Waste Management Plan as required under the terms of the Waste Management Act 1996–2003 and the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations 1997.

The City Council is committed to the goal of promoting sustainable waste management in Cork City, in full co–operation with the city’s residents, businesses, industry and other stakeholders.

Waste Management cannot be viewed in isolation from other environmental issues including conservation of resources and environmental pollution. In other words, the quantities and types of waste produced are dependent on the products bought, the length of time for which those products are used and the manner in which they are dealt with when there is no further use for them. Sustainable waste management requires the concerted and continuous effort of all of the city’s waste producers, irrespective of the quantities of waste they produce. Each of us thus has a specific responsibility to introduce an element of sustainability into the way resources are used, as well as into consumption patterns and waste management choices.

The achievement of truly sustainable waste management will depend on several factors. The way in which society thinks about waste has to change. An “out of sight, out of mind ” attitude is no longer acceptable. Individuals, businesses and local authorities must work together closely to achieve the degree of co–operation required to bring about an integrated sustainable Waste Management system.

A number of key objectives underpin the goal of sustainable waste management described in this Waste Management Plan. Specifically, Cork City Council will work to ensure that:

• We will introduce Pay by Use for refuse collection from 1 ^st January 2005;
• We will endeavour to reduce the amount of waste produced through awareness raising and education;
• We optimise use of the waste that is produced;
• All waste management carried out in Cork City is completed in such a way as to minimise the risk of immediate or future detrimental environmental impact. Such impacts include land use, resource depletion and harm to human health;
• Greater understanding and appreciation of waste management and resource depletion issues are facilitated. This will include the encouragement of public participation in the formulation, implementation and review of this Waste Management Plan;
• By facilitating widespread consensus for the need to change, the citizens of Cork will support the positive changes planned for the coming months and years;
• Heightened awareness is translated into action towards sustainable waste management;
• All interested parties and persons are included, as far, as is practicable, in the waste management planning and implementation process.

Waste is an inevitable by–product of our society and managing this waste more effectively is a challenge that society as a whole has to address. There are two fundamental requirements of a sustainable waste management system: produce less waste in the first place and then develop an effective system for managing the waste still produced. That system must ensure human health and safety by preventing the spread of disease and it must also be environmentally and economically sustainable. Environmental sustainability refers to the need to reduce as much as possible the environmental impacts of waste management including energy consumption, pollution of land, air, water and loss of amenity. Economic sustainability, on the other hand, requires that a waste management system operates at a cost that is acceptable to the community (including the local authority).

In reality, however, there is always a trade–off required in order to balance environmental and economic sustainability. This balance allows us to reduce the overall environmental impacts of waste management as far as possible, within an acceptable level of cost. Deciding on that balance requires a solid foundation of accurate statistics on waste quantities and types, as well as on recycling and landfilling activities and the costs of waste collection and treatment. This information will allow us to identify the impacts which waste management are currently having and will also prompt ideas for improvement.

Traditionally in Cork City, as in the rest of Ireland, most of our solid waste has been landfilled. This situation must change as a consequence of a number of factors, which include national and EU legislation, the reduction in the amount of suitable land available for landfills and the need to exploit the inherent material and energy content of the materials we classify as wastes. A sustainable waste management system utilises a range of treatment methods from recycling and composting to thermal treatment and landfill. In order that this range of treatment methods can be used in the context of Cork City, a number of changes must be implemented. Cork City Council will provide the necessary facilities (e.g. Bring Sites, mechanical waste separation capacity and composting facilities) but it is up to each citizen to ensure that these facilities are utilised as far as possible. This means that as a society we must buy less packaging, re–use waste materials, participate in kerbside separate collection schemes and bring recyclables to Bring Sites and Civic Amenity Sites.

This Waste Management Plan describes the specific actions identified by Cork City Council as being essential in our pursuit of sustainable waste management for Cork City.

1.2 Scope

This Waste Management Plan deals only with solid waste, liquid and gaseous emissions are not addressed. Information is provided on the current systems in place for the collection, recovery and disposal of waste in the city. Detailed statistics on the quantities of individual waste streams and fractions produced in Cork City are also provided. Finally, the Plan describes the specific actions that will be undertaken by Cork City Council over the next five years.

1.3 Key Drivers

There are a number of important drivers that impacted on this Waste Management Plan. These include the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region, which was completed by the City Council in conjunction with Cork County Council in 1995, and which forms the overall framework for sustainable waste management in Cork City.

The main elements of the Strategy that Cork has adopted for the next 25 years are:

1. The expansion of the city’s existing system of Bring Sites;
2. The provision of at least two large Civic Amenity Sites ¹(one of which is already in place at the Kinsale Road Landfill site and which has been considerably extended in 2000) where the public can deposit recyclable materials and other wastes which are not collected by standard refuse collection services (e.g. furniture and discarded kitchen appliances);
3. The construction of a Waste Recovery Facility ² which will allow for the mechanical separation of recyclables and will divert these separate materials to the appropriate recycling facility. For example, glass will be crushed and disposed of, at the lowest possible cost, to specialist glass re-processors for recycling, whereas biodegradable wastes (such as food and garden wastes) will be composted in a cost effective manner for re-use in agriculture and gardening activities. This facility will thus reduce the quantities of waste going to landfill and increase the city’s recycling rates;
4. Operating the Kinsale Road Landfill site in accordance with the terms of its Waste Licence and in such a manner as to limit its potential environmental impact (e.g. collection & use of landfill gas to generate electricity, treatment of leachate etc. );
5. The construction of a new state–of-the–art landfill site for residual wastes to replace the Kinsale Road Landfill when it has reached its full capacity;

¹ A Civic Amenity Site is an area w here recyclable household waste materials are brought by the public for appropriate management

² Comprised of a mechanical separation plant for unsorted municipal waste and a composting plant for organics.

6. The development of the Kinsale Road Landfill site, when closed, to serve as an important recreational asset for the city. The site will also retain its Civic Amenity Site and provide other waste management activities.

Although the Cork Region Waste Management Strategy is intended to provide a framework for waste management in the region until the year 2020, the Strategy has provided for reassessment of the options chosen throughout the intervening 25–year period. Therefore, subsequent reviews of the City Council’s Waste Management Plans will include examination and review of these options and the assessment of new waste management techniques and technologies that may be pertinent to Cork City. Furthermore, a review of the joint Waste Management Strategy may be warranted during the five–year period covered by this Waste Management Plan.

Besides the Waste Management Strategy, this Plan has been guided by government policy on waste management that states that local authorities must identify methods by which the following goals can be achieved:

a)The regionalisation of waste management planning. (It should be noted that Cork City Council has already adopted this approach by virtue of close co–operation with Cork County Council on a number of waste-related issues – including the preparation of a joint Waste Management Strategy in 1995);

b) A significant reduction in reliance on landfill, in favour of an integrated waste management approach (A number of Cork City Council initiatives, including the provision of a Waste Recovery Facility and a second Civic Amenity Site will ensure that Cork City’s current reliance on landfill will be reduced);

c) Increased participation by the private sector in the provision of waste management services;

d) A more effective and equitable system of charging for waste services;

e) Greater utilisation of legislative instruments; and

f) An emphasis on the importance of public support, education and participation in waste management generally.

Irish policy on waste management is presented in the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government’s policy statement of September 1998 ( Changing Our Ways) and in Taking Stock and Moving Forward published in April 2004. These policy statements, now form the cornerstone of all waste management planning in Ireland, details the most important issues facing Ireland in the future in this regard, focussing principally on the need for a reduction in our reliance on landfill and the implications of this step.

In addition, the formulation of the Plan has been guided by the following important principles embraced by the EU, namely:

• Polluter Pays Principle – that those who cause waste generation should be the ones to pay for the management of that waste, including the costs of collection, treatment, disposal and the aftercare of waste disposal sites;
• Proximity Principle – that waste should be managed (i.e. treated and/ or disposed of) as close to where it was generated as possible;
• Precautionary Principle – that any risk of environmental pollution must be assessed and alleviated where required; and
• Principle of Shared Responsibility – that all sectors of society should feel responsible for the environment, and as such always act responsibly towards it (including payment of the associated costs).

There are also a number of legislative tools that must be complied with by local authorities in the discharge of their duties under the Waste Management Acts, 1996 – 2003. For example, the EU Landfill Directive (adopted in April 1999) sets a number of stringent standards and targets for landfill operators. These include the following:

a) A staged reduction in the quantities of biodegradable waste entering landfills. The first target which must be met relates to the year 2005, when the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste going to landfills must be reduced to 75% of the total amount (by weight) produced in 1995;

b) Municipal Solid Waste must be treated before it is landfilled;

c) Liquid waste, flammable or explosive waste, infectious hospital or clinical waste and used tyres can no longer be accepted at landfills;

d) The full costs of landfilling (including set-up, operation, closure and aftercare costs) must be reflected in the gate fees levied at the site (in–line with the Polluter Pays Principle); and

e) Disposal of hazardous and non–hazardous waste in the same site will be prohibited, and landfills must thus be classified into one of the three following categories – landfill for hazardous waste, landfill for non–hazardous waste or landfill for inert waste.

Existing Waste Management in Cork City

2.1 Introduction and Methodology

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, with a population of 123,062 persons. There are 42,742 households in the city, with an average household size of 2.8 persons per household. The most important employment sectors in the city are the manufacturing industry and the professions.

2003 has been chosen as the baseline year for the compilation of waste statistics for this Plan as the data relating to this year are the most accurate and up–to–date available. Information on the quantities and types of waste being generated, recycled, disposed of or otherwise managed in Cork City have been obtained from a number of sources, the most important of which are:

• The City Council’s own records and statistics relating to waste management in the city;
• Records of the quantities of waste being landfill in the Cork Region in 2003;
• The EPA National Waste Database 2001;
• The Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region, 1995;
• Central Statistics Office;
• Information supplied from Waste Collection Contractors and permitted facilities;
• EPA Waste Licence and industrial IPC–Licence ³ records;
• Various governmental data;
• The results of national and international research into waste management;
• TFS and C1 Documentation;

³ EPA Integrated Pollution Control Licences are required for all large-scale industrial companies in this country. These licences require the monitoring of the emissions arising from the company’s activities – including solid waste production levels.

Other sources. It is important that information on both waste streams and waste fractions is included in any Waste Management Plan. This reflects the fact that waste stream statistics are required to enable us to monitor the performance of particular sectors with respect to waste avoidance measures, as well as providing information on waste collection requirements and other important logistics. Waste fraction statistics, on the other hand, are vital as they allow us to calculate the required recycling and treatment facility capacities. For example, glass is produced by all sectors in Cork City and is thus classed as a waste fraction. Understanding how much glass waste is produced each year allows the City Council to determine the size and number of bring banks that should be provided across the city. Similarly, information on the amount of biodegradable (or compostable) wastes produced in the city allows us to plan composting facility capacity.

2.2 Total Quantities of Waste Generated

Approximately 115,381 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste were generated in the city of Cork in 2003 (equivalent of 0.94 tonnes of waste produced per person in the city). Table 2.1 summarises information on the different waste fractions currently being generated in Cork City.

Table 2.1 Waste Fractions Produced by the Household and Commercial Sectors in Cork City in 2003

2.3 Waste Avoidance and Public Awareness

International experience has demonstrated that stakeholder commitment is best obtained and maintained via the development of targeted and continuous public awareness information. This information must convince waste producers of the benefits of avoiding waste production and the negative environmental impacts of continuing current habits. As well as identifying the problem, however, this information must also include the solution to the problem, in other words, simple, easy–to–follow instructions identifying the most effective methods of avoiding waste should be included.

A great deal of emphasis is always placed on the ways in which municipal waste arisings are handled, treated and disposed of. A far more sustainable approach, however, would be to ensure that the waste is not generated in the first place ( waste prevention). If it is not produced, it does not have to be managed, however, there will always be situations where some waste production is unavoidable. The best approach in the latter case would be to ensure that the quantity produced is as low as it can possibly be ( waste minimisation or reduction). This approach is also in accordance with EU and National Policy.

As well as targeting the actual quantities of waste produced in the city, it is also important that the pollution-potential of waste be reduced. This requires the substitution of hazardous materials with more environmentally alternatives. This goal also requires specific, targeted public awareness efforts. Cork City Council is committed to ensuring that information on waste avoidance reaches all waste producers in the city, providing them with the information they need to make better and sustainable choices in the future.

Some of the methods by which the City Council is currently addressing the need for waste avoidance are:

• An environmental auditing scheme for schools, called the Green Flag Award scheme;
• The Green Fáilte environmental auditing scheme for hotels in the city;
• Close co–operation with Cork County Council, particularly in the development of waste prevention and minimisation initiatives;
• Cork City Council’s own in–house Green Housekeeping Initiatives.

2.4 Waste Collection and Reception

There are two main methods by which wastes are made available to waste management facilities, namely:

• Waste collection from the waste’s point of origin and its subsequent delivery to the appropriate facility – e.g. household door-to-door refuse collection by local authorities; and
• Deposition of wastes at receptacles located centrally for that purpose – e.g. Bring Sites for domestic recyclables.

In general, the city’s waste arisings can be collected and disposed of as follows:

• By Cork City Council;
• By private collection companies;
• By the waste generator themselves – be it a householder, commercial or industrial premises, or the waste division of an individual company; and
• By specialist waste collectors.

Cork City Council has a statutory responsibility to arrange for the collection and disposal of domestic refuse and litter generated within Cork City. Cork City Council operates a wheeled bin collection system for the collection of refuse. Almost all of the city’s households utilise the City Council’s refuse collection service, with the balance using private waste contractors.

Private waste collection contractors operate within Cork City usually using a wheeled bin system for household waste collection and skips for non-household wastes. Skips are also hired out to a wide range of establishments – hotels, pubs, hospitals and businesses – and are collected on a weekly basis, or when full.

In terms of reception capacity for recyclables, the City Council provides (in conjunction with private companies) 41 Bring Sites for a range of recyclable materials across the city. This represents a provision rate of 1 site per 3,000 people. In addition, the city also has a Civic Amenity Site located at the site of the Kinsale Road Landfill. This facility provides for the reception of a wide range of materials (including glass, aluminium cans and waste oil). The City Council plans to provide a second Civic Amenity Site to serve the north of the city over the next five years.

2.5 Waste Recovery

Components of most waste streams can be re-used or recycled if:

a) The material is suitable – i.e. it has been segregated appropriately, resulting in a product which is not significantly contaminated; and

b) An economically viable market exists for the secondary materials to use. A key example here is the market for recycled paper, which fluctuates quite markedly depending on the cost of virgin wood and the demand for paper products.

Cork City council is firmly committed to the goal of increasing the city’s recycling rates with respect to all waste fractions. Particular emphasis will be placed over the next five years on waste and paper/ cardboard. This has been chosen as it is produced by all sectors of Cork society, it is the largest single waste fraction generated in the city each year and it is both biodegradable and recyclable.

The City Council will promote paper recycling by:

• Introducing a scheme for collection of dry recyclables including paper and cardboard from domestic customers in the city over the next two years.
• Recycling it’s own paper.
• Raising public awareness of the need to reduce the quantities of paper waste produced and the importance of recycling.
• Pro-actively encouraging markets for recycled paper.
• Provision of reception facilities for paper waste.
• Continuing collection of paper and card from our commercial customers
• Enforcement of the Packaging Regulations.

2.6 Waste Disposal

The only municipal facility for the disposal of waste in Cork City is the Kinsale Road Landfill. Approximately 54,500 tonnes of solid waste were landfilled in 2003 (Table 2.3). The City Council is committed to the reduction of the volumes of the city’s wastes that are landfilled.

Table 2.3 Waste Entering the Kinsale Road Landfill Site in 2003.

(Source: AER 2003)

3. ACTION PLANS FOR CORK CITY

3.1 Waste Prevention and Minimisation Action Plans

The following are the most important actions planned by Cork City Council for stabilising (and if possible reducing) the quantities of waste produced in Cork City over the next 5 years.

Public Awareness Measures – Cork City Council will implement measures aimed at communicating the benefits of waste prevention and minimisation to the general public, including co-operation with government led public awareness initiatives.

• Promote improved Waste Management in Private Industry – Cork City Council will continue its pro-active approach to waste minimisation and prevention in private industry through presentations, participation on waste management committees, informal assistance and participation in waste management award schemes for industry.
• Green Fáilte Award for Hotels – The City Council will continue to support this scheme which is aimed at assisting hotels in the identification of the main environmental impacts associated with their activities, and the provision of advice on methods of reducing those impacts.
• Schools Programme – Cork City Council will continue to implement its school initiatives including supporting the An Taisce Green Flag Award Scheme, talks on waste management and litter, support the provision of recycling infrastructure for schools.
• Enforcement of Planning Conditions – Cork City Council will strive to improve waste management practices in all new developments through the imposition and enforcement of conditions relating to provision of recycling infrastructure.
• Green Housekeeping – Cork City Council’s Green Housekeeping Committee, which is responsible for the development of more environmentally responsible practices within the City Council will continue to operate.
• Pay-by-Use Refuse Collection – In line with national policy, Cork City Council will introduce a pay-by-use refuse collection system from 1 ^st January 2005.
• Environmental Management System – The City Council will continue its policy of seeking ISO 14001 accreditation for more of its activities.

3.2 Waste Collection

This section identifies the plans developed by Cork City Council in the area of waste collection:

• Separate Collections – Cork City Council will introduce a scheme for the provision of a door-to-door collection of dry recyclables from all its domestic refuse customers on a phased basis from August 2004.
• Pay-by-Use Refuse Collection – In line with national policy, Cork City Council will introduce a pay-by-use refuse collection system from 1 ^st January 2005.

3.3 Waste Recovery

The actions described in this section are Cork City Council’s plans for the recovery of waste over the next five years:

• Recycling Infrastrucutre – Cork City Council will endeavour to expand its recycling infrastructure over the next 5 years.
• Civic Amenity Site – Cork City Council will install one new Civic Amenity Site on the northside of Cork during the lifetime of this plan.
• Separate Collections – Cork City Council will introduce a scheme for the provision of a door-to-door collection of dry recyclables from all its domestic refuse customers on a phased basis from August 2004.
• Separate Collection of Household Biowaste – Cork City Council will assess the introduction of a separate door-to-door collection of biowaste from its refuse collection customers.
• Waste Recovery Facility – Cork City Council will co-operate with Cork County Council in the development of a Waste Recovery Facility which will allow active segregation of a large number of waste streams for their more effective recovery and disposal.
• Green Waste and Timber Waste Recycling – Cork City Council will continue to operate its green waste and timber waste recycling facilities at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site.

3.4 Waste Reception and Disposal

The actions described in this section are Cork City Council plans for the reception and disposal of waste over next five years.

• Kinsale Road Landfill Site-The City Council will carry out all necessary works at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and with the conditions set in the EPA Waste Licence and in the Environmental Management System for the site.
• Energy Recovery – Cork City Council will continue to recover energy from the landfill gases generated at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site through the operation of the electricity generating plant located at the site.
• Residual Landfill Site –Cork City Council will co-operate with Cork County Council in the development of an engineered residual landfill site in Cork County. The site selection process for this landfill has been completed, approval has been granted by An Bord Pleanála and a Waste Licence has been granted by the EPA.

3.5 Litter

The actions described in this section are Cork City Council’s plans for dealing with litter over the next five years.

• Anti -Litter Campaign –An Anti-Litter campaign will continue with an emphasis on Cigarette Butts, Dog Fouling and Chewing Gum. An Anti-Litter Video is to be sent to all schools in 2004.
• Litter Bins –The City Council will continue to provide and replace Litter Bins, all of which will have facilities for cigarette and chewing gum disposal.
• Fly Postering –The City Council will commence a programme of providing Anti-Fly Postering covering on street furniture in the city centre from August 2004.
• Street Cleaning – The street cleaning programme will continue throughout the city. A street vacuum scrubber has been hired for specific use on St. Patrick Street

3.6 Hazardous Waste

The actions described in this section are Cork City Council plans for dealing with hazardous waste arisings over next five years.

• Chemcar – Cork City Council will continue to support the operation of the Chemcar programme for the collection of household hazardous waste in the Cork Region. The implementation of the Chemcar programme is made possible through the sponsorship received from private industry.
• Transfrontier Shipment of Hazardous Waste – Cork City Council will continue to operate the correct procedures for the transport of hazardous wastes within and outside of Ireland. Shipments of hazardous waste must be accompanied by a consignment note issued by the local authority of origin of the waste. Such notes must be forwarded to the EPA.

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Chapter 1. Introduction

Background

This Waste Management Plan has been formulated by Cork City Council to address the challenge of waste management in Cork City, the second city of Ireland in terms of economic importance and population. The Plan is born out of our goal of Sustainability – preventing the deterioration of society and the environment by cultivating supportable ways of living. Effective waste management is fundamental to this goal of Sustainable Development. This Plan covers the period from 2004 to 2009, and will be reviewed and updated at five-year intervals thereafter.

Moving towards a more sustainable waste management system requires a fundamental attitude and cultural change on the part of all waste producers (including householders). Local authorities have an important role to play in the promotion of sustainable waste management. In recognition of this fact, Cork City Council is committed to continuing the process commenced in 1999 – by promoting and encouraging recycling and composting and by actively reducing the city’s reliance on landfill. Furthermore a number of waste reduction initiatives have been undertaken over the last five years including processing Construction and Demolition Waste, Green Waste and Timber Waste.

The City Council’s education and awareness programmes, in addition, have been designed to communicate the need for change to the city’s waste producers with the aim of stimulating the development of more sustainable attitudes.

The other methods by which the City Council is steering the city towards a more sustainable waste management regime include a co-operative approach with the various waste-producing sectors in Cork City. In addition, the City Council has identified a clear strategic policy direction, which sets the overall framework within which change will occur in the city. That policy approach, which is outlined in this Waste Management Plan, provides the guidance and direction required for the next five years. However, the City Council recognises the importance of flexibility in waste management planning, as changing public opinion and consumerism choices, as well as new legislation, can have significant impacts on the waste management needs of a particular region or city. As such, this Plan allows for the review and modification of the city’s overall strategic policy direction if and when required.

Objectives

A number of key objectives underpin the goal of sustainable waste management described in this Waste Management Plan. Specifically, Cork City Council will work to ensure that:

• We will introduce Pay by Use for refuse collection from 1^st January 2005;
• We will endeavour to reduce the amount of waste that is produced through awareness raising and education;
• We optimise use of the waste that is produced;
• All waste management carried out in Cork City is completed in such a way as to minimise the risk of immediate or future detrimental environmental impact. Such impacts include land use, resource depletion and harm to human health;
• Greater understanding and appreciation of waste management and resource depletion issues are facilitated. This will include the encouragement of public participation in the formulation, implementation and review of this Waste Management Plan;
• By facilitating widespread consensus for the need to change, the citizens of Cork will support the positive changes planned for the coming months and years;
• Heightened awareness is translated into action towards sustainable waste management;
• All interested parties and persons are included, as far, as is practicable, in the waste management planning and implementation process.

These objectives are described in greater detail in Section 1.2 of this plan.

The Plan identifies the actions that will be undertaken by the City Council in order to:

• Implement the overall strategic waste management direction identified in the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region (1995); and
• Fulfil the waste management planning obligations stipulated in the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2003 and the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997.

The Plan bridges the gap between policy and action, and has been designed to both inform the public and seek their commitment to improved waste management practice in Cork City. For example, the City Council’s continuing goal of increasing the city’s recycling rates and reducing the quantities of waste produced can only be achieved if the support of the public is obtained.

Waste Streams and Fractions

A Waste Management Plan covers all aspects of solid waste management, gaseous and liquid wastes are not included, from collection to recycling and final disposal. In addition, all solid waste streams and fractions are addressed. A waste stream is a mixture of different waste materials produced as a result of the actions of a particular sector or activity (e.g. household waste or agricultural waste). A waste fraction, on the other hand, is a specific material, which may be produced by a number of different sectors (e.g. glass and paper which are produced by households, businesses and industry).

All of the solid waste streams and fractions produced in the city are important, as they can have potential environmental pollution impacts if managed inappropriately. It is the aim of Cork City Council to address the largest and most problematic wastes first. This Waste Management Plan will address all waste streams but will focus on waste paper specifically.

Also discussed in this chapter are the aims and objectives of this Waste Management Plan, and the waste management policy and functions of Cork City Council.

1.1 Target Waste Streams

Waste Paper

With respect to the paper fraction of the waste generated in Cork City, the reasons for its targeting in this Plan are:

1. It is a material that is produced by all sectors of society;
2. It is biodegradable;
3. Landfilling paper contributes to the release of methane gas (a gas which is known to contribute to the Greenhouse Effect) and leachate (contaminated water which has the potential to damage drinking water supplies, habitats, and wildlife if it is not contained);
4. The Landfill Directive and the proposed Biodegradable Directive specifically targets the biodegradable fraction of waste for diversion away from landfill;
5. The production of paper utilises natural resources and contributes to the destruction of valuable habitat. Ensuring that the quantities of paper used are minimised and that maximum recycling and re use is facilitated, will limit the number of trees which must be felled to make paper products; and
6. Paper is a material that has intrinsic material and energy value – it can be recycled, composted, or otherwise treated to release energy or it can be burned to generate electricity and power. It is readily recycled to produce high-value secondary products. However, market forces can be a barrier to significant paper recycling at times.

Cork City Council has three main roles with respect to the promotion of paper recycling, namely as a producer of paper waste, as a provider and supporter of paper recycling schemes, and as a user of paper products. In recognition of these responsibilities, the City Council will promote paper recycling by:

• Introducing of a scheme for collection of dry recyclables including paper and card from domestic consumers in the city over the next two years;
• Recycling its own paper waste;
• Raising public awareness of the need to reduce the quantities of paper waste produced, and the importance of recycling;
• Pro-actively encouraging markets for recycled paper (e.g. by purchasing recycled paper products wherever possible);
• Provision of reception facilities for paper waste;
• Continuing collection of paper and card from our commercial customers; and
• Enforcement of the Packaging Regulations.

1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Waste Management Plan for Cork City

The aims of this, the second Waste Management Plan for the city, are:

a) To make Cork a more sustainable city, by ensuring that our waste management activities do not compromise the quality of the environment and by preparing the ground now for necessary changes which need to be made over the coming months and years;

b) To sustain the change in the way we view wastes;

c) To communicate the need for change in our waste management practices;

d) To provide a clear policy direction for waste management in the city over the coming years, while retaining the flexibility to respond to new information and waste management approaches;

e) To promote improved waste management practices by all sectors of society;

f) To ensure that waste producers take full responsibility for the management of their wastes;

g) To ensure in so far as is possible that there is no further increase in the amount of waste produced per city resident (i.e. per capita) over the five-year planning period covered by this Plan;

h) To actively facilitate reduction of per capita waste production levels;

i) To reduce the quantities of Cork’s wastes which are landfilled; and

j) To target paper waste for particular attention.

In order to satisfy these aims, a number of specific objectives for the next five years have been identified, as described below.

Objective 1:To introduce, promote and support measures including the introduction of “Pay by Use” and separate collection of dry recyclables aimed at theprevention and minimisation of Cork City’s waste as far as possible.

Objective 2 : To sustain the principle known as the Waste Management Hierarchy, which states that the avoidance and reduction of waste production is preferable if at all possible. Following this, unavoidable wastes should be re-used and recycled, and only disposed to landfill as a last resort (Figure 1.1).

Objective 3:To divert at least 60% of the waste produced to other waste managementmethods. This diversion will be achieved via:

• Banning of all construction and demolition waste from landfill and
• The construction (in co-operation with Cork County Council) of a Waste Recovery Facility ⁴ which will divert 60% of its inputs from the landfill once fully operational.

It should be noted that these two initiatives will divert a combined total of 72% from landfill. However, the quantities of waste being produced nationally (and in Cork) are currently rising in-line with economic growth and higher standards of living. The National Overview of Waste Management Plans envisages a cumulative growth rate of 16.6% in commercial wastes arising and a cumulative growth rate of 30.9% in domestic wastes arising in the period to 2010. These figures take into account an estimated reduction in waste arisings through prevention programmes. ⁵

Objective 4: To maximise stakeholder participation in waste management decision-making and activities via enhanced educational and awareness campaigns and other strategic management initiatives.

Objective 5: To apply all of the actions outlined in this Waste Management Plan to the City Council’s own in-house activities, where applicable.

Objective 6: To integrate waste management into the overall Local Agenda 21 ⁶approach adopted by the City Council. In other words, waste management will not be viewed as an isolated or stand-alone activity but will be fully incorporated into other environmental improvement efforts initiated by Cork City Council.

Objective 7: To co-operate with the major waste producing sectors in the city on waste prevention and reduction efforts – for example, industrial companies whose activities are not subject to licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the larger hotels and SMEs.

Objective 8: To maximise the use of innovative technologies and approaches to waste management in the city, and to facilitate job creation.

Objective 9: To co-operate with each of the waste-producing sectors (e.g. householders and businesses) in Cork City, and any other interested parties, with the aim of promoting more sustainable waste management, identifying waste minimisation measures and implementing the Waste Management Plan for the city.

Objective 10: To ensure that landfilling of the city’s wastes is undertaken with due regard to best environmental standards so as to prevent environmental pollution.

⁴ Comprised of a Mixed Waste Sorting Facility (which involves mechanical separation of unsorted waste) and a Composting Plant for mechanically separated and source-separated organic wastes .

⁵ National Overview of Waste Management Plans DOEHLG April 2004 Appendix 1.

⁶ Local Agenda 21 is a concept based on the premise that sustainable development for the next century is best promoted and achieved at the local level – with the identification of local solutions to local problems.

Objective 11: To administer this Waste Management Plan in accordance with current EU and Irish law, and to adapt and administer it as appropriate to comply with changes to such legislation.

Figure 1.1 The Waste Management Hierarchy

1.3 Key Drivers behind the Waste Management Plan

In addition to the City Council’s aims of developing more sustainable waste management in the city by encouraging waste reduction and recycling, a number of other drivers have influenced the preparation of this Waste Management Plan, not least the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region which was developed in 1995. The main elements of that Strategy are described later. The other key drivers behind the development of this Plan are the statutory obligations placed on Cork City Council by the Waste Management Acts, 1996 to 2003 and their related Regulations together with Government and EU Policy. This legislation requires that local authorities prepare Waste Management Plans at five-year intervals. The specific information which must be included in a Plan is outlined in the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997. These Regulations and other relevant Irish and EU waste management legislation have been taken into consideration during the preparation of this Plan for Cork City.

Changing Our Ways

Cork City Council has taken particular note of the waste management policy statement issued in 1998 by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, entitled ‘Changing Our Ways’ , which emphasises the importance of local authority waste management planning. Other important elements of Changing Our Ways include:

• The importance of regionalisation of waste management planning, and co-operation between neighbouring local authorities for the good of the environment in order to exploit economies of scale;
• The need for a dramatic reduction in reliance on landfill in favour of an integrated waste management approach, utilising a range of treatment options to deliver ambitious recycling and recovery targets;
• The importance of increased participation by the private sector in the provision of waste management services. It should be noted that the Cork local authorities are co-operating with a private partner with respect to the provision of a Waste Recovery Facility ⁷ for the Region;
• The need for a more effective and equitable system of waste charging which promotes waste minimisation and recovery;
• The need for greater utilisation of legislative instruments (e.g. use of the Litter Fine system); and
• The importance of public support, education and participation in waste management generally.

⁷ Comprised of a Mixed Waste Sorting Facility (involving mechanical separation of unsorted waste) and a composting plant for mechanically-sorted and source-separated organic wastes

Changing Our Ways also sets a number of important national waste management targets for recycling and diversion of waste from landfill. The implications of these targets for Cork City are discussed later in this Plan.

In addition, Cork City Council has noted the main points of the latest government policy statement Taking Stock and Moving Forward which was published in April 2004. The main points are outlined here under:

• The integrated waste management approach, based on the waste hierarchy, will remain the bedrock of waste management policy in Ireland;
• Waste management planning will remain a local authority function, to be exercised in largely regional groupings;
• Biodegradable waste is to be targeted for major improvements in recycling;
• The changeover to pay-by-use waste charging systems to be completed by1 January 2005;
• The successful Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRI's) concept currently in place for packaging, farm plastics and C&D wastes is to be extended to newsprint and tyres by end-2004, end-of-life vehicles by end-2005 and electrical and electronic waste by August 2005;
• Waste-to-energy will remain a key element in the integrated approach. Facilities of this nature will be subject to strict planning and environmental licensing controls;
• Landfill will be relied on to a progressively decreasing extent, in line with its “residual waste” status at the bottom of the waste hierarchy. Further progress on recycling and thermal treatment is crucial to achievement of this;

1.3.1 Cork City Council’s Waste Management Policy

The overall approach that has been adopted by Cork City Council with respect to its waste management activities and planning is, as mentioned earlier, firmly rooted in the goal of sustainable development. The City Council’s specific waste management policy is also driven, however, by the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region (which was jointly adopted by the City Council and Cork County Council in 1995). The Waste Management Strategy concentrated on three main issues, namely the need for:

• Expansion of recycling activities in the Cork Region to achieve the recycling targets set by national policy targets;
• Reduction of the volumes of waste deposited in landfills; and
• Disposal of waste to landfill (when unavoidable) only in accordance with EU and EPA guidelines.

In order to meet these challenges, a number of waste management options for the prevention, collection, treatment, and disposal of the Region’s waste were outlined. These options were then organised into three separate scenarios, as outlined below.

1. Scenario One adopted the approach of maximum recycling, and proposed large scale home composting. It also envisaged the introduction of a new engineered landfill site;
2. Scenario Two was an extension of Scenario One, with the addition of the concept of separation of household and commercial waste into their respective components at a mechanical separation plant (part of the Waste Recovery Facility). The wet organic fraction derived from the separation process would then be composted and the dry fraction baled and subsequently landfilled; and
3. Scenario Three investigated the concept of thermally treating the dry fraction produced from the Waste Recovery Facility to further reduce the volume of waste requiring landfilling.

Each scenario was subsequently assessed versus a range of environmental and financial criteria (including the effects on recycling rates and the level of diversion of wastes from landfill achieved). That assessment identified Scenario Two⁸ as the preferred option for implementation in the Region in the short- to medium-term, with Scenario Three

⁸ It should be noted that a summary of the most important environmental impacts of Scenario Two is presented in the appendices to this Plan.

On consultation with the public, and following publication of a Draft Strategy, the two local authorities concluded that Scenario Two was the most appropriate strategic direction for the Cork Region and chose to follow the options outlined therein.Scenario Two is now being implemented in the Region. It is on the basis of Scenario Two that the City Council has formulated this Waste Management Plan for the management of the City’s waste until the year 2009.

The main elements of the Strategy which Cork City Council (as well as Cork County Council) has adopted for the next 25 years are:

a) The expansion of the city’s existing system of ‘Bring Sites’⁹ (Figure 1.2),

b)The provision of at least two large Civic Amenity Sites ¹⁰ (one of which already in place at the Kinsale Road Landfill site and which has been considerably extended in 2000) where the public can deposit recyclable materials and other wastes which are not collected by standard refuse collection services (e.g. furniture and discarded kitchen appliances) (Figure 1.3);

c) The construction of a Waste Recovery Facility ¹¹ which will allow for the mechanical separation of recyclables and will divert these separate materials to the appropriate recycling for recycling, whereas biodegradable wastes (such as food and garden wastes) will be composted for re-use in agriculture and gardening activities. This facility will thus reduce the quantities of waste going to landfill and increase the city’s recycling rates;

d) Operating the Kinsale Road Landfill Site in accordance with the terms of its Waste Licence and in such a manner as to limit its environmental impact (e.g. collection & use of landfill gas to generate electricity, treatment of leachate etc.);

e) The construction of a new state-of-the-art landfill site to replace the Kinsale Road Landfill when it has reached its full capacity; and

f) The development of the Kinsale Road Landfill site when closed as an important recreational asset for the city. The site will also retain its Civic Amenity Site and other recycling activities.

⁹ Groups of containers for various recyclable wastes, such as green and brown glass and beverage cans.
¹⁰ A Civic Amenity Site is an area where recyclable and household waste materials are brought by the public for appropriate management.

A facility where unsorted household and commercial refuse is taken for mechanical separation into its component elements – i.e. dry recyclables (e.g. glass), wet recyclables (e.g. paper and kitchen biodegradable wastes) and non-recyclable materials. Each of these components is then sent to the relevant recycling facility, with the exception of the wet or organic recyclables which will be composted at the composting plant which is an integral part of the Waste Recovery Facility itself.

Although the Cork Region Waste Management Strategy is intended to provide a framework for waste management in the region until the year 2020, the Strategy has provided for reassessment of the options chosen throughout the intervening 25-year period. Therefore, subsequent reviews of the City Council’s Waste Management Plans may include examination and review of these options and the assessment of new waste management techniques and technologies that may be pertinent to Cork City

Another important source of information and guidance on waste management is the Cork City Development Plan 2004.). The implications of the City Development Plan for this Waste Management Plan are outlined in Section 2.4. It should be noted that the Development Plans for the areas which surround the city may also impact on waste management planning choices. However, a review of the Cork County Development Plan indicated that it does not contain specific targets or measures that might impact on waste management practice and planning in Cork City.

Figure 1.3 The Civic Amenity Site at Kinsale Road

1.4 The Waste Management Section of Cork City Council

The solid waste management activities of Cork City Council are guided by the Waste Management Section, which is part of the larger Environment Division. This Section is responsible for both day-to-day operations and waste management planning. It will also be in charge of the decommissioning contracts for the Kinsale Road Landfill, as well as the implementation of the EPA’s licensing conditions for the site.

Waste Management staff comprising outdoor, technical and administrative staff are responsible for day to day operations and forward planning in relation to waste matters.

With respect to the financial implications of Cork City Council’s activities, day-to-day waste management operations are expected to cost an estimated €18.09 million in 2004, as summarised below:

As well the operations listed above, there are a number of capital works which are currently being undertaken. These works are required as a consequence of the joint Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region (1995) adopted by the City Council and Cork County Council, and are likely to cost an estimated €67.5million. These costs will be met by Cork City Council in conjunction with the County Council and a number of private partners.

Capital Expenditure Budgeted Costs Over Next 5 Years (€)

The revenues expected in 2004 from the City Council’s waste management activities total approximately €14.16 million, as summarised below.

1.5 Public Awareness and Stakeholders

Changes in waste management practices require the commitment and co-operation of all waste producers in Cork City. For example, householders will be encouraged to participate in kerbside separate collection schemes and to separate recyclable wastes (e.g. glass) out of their refuse and bring them to recycling centres. In order to ensure that each waste producer understands his/ her role in waste management in the city, the City Council will continue, and expand, its public awareness and education programmes.

The City Council has identified the following groups of people as stakeholders (i.e. those people who are likely to be affected by changing waste management practice). These stakeholders include:

• The general public (e.g. householders);
• The business community (e.g. shops, banks, hotels and fast-food outlets);
• The industrial sector (and in particular the smaller companies who do not fall under the jurisdiction of the EPA’s licensing system (termed the IPC-Licence System));
• Schoolchildren – the City Council recognises that today’s children are tomorrow’s householders, industry leaders, and decision-makers;
• Government agencies;
• Local government itself – and particularly Cork County Council and the Southern Health Board;
• Non-Governmental Organisations and representative bodies (such as residents’ associations); and
• Miscellaneous groups.
• Some of the initiatives that have been introduced by Cork City Council in order to enhance public awareness of waste management in Cork City include:
• The publication, in conjunction with Cork County Council, of a public news sheet 3 times per annum;
• A series of talks for schoolchildren aimed at raising awareness of the need to reduce waste production levels and litter;
• Talks and visits to stakeholder groups, upon request – e.g. Residents’ Associations;
• Co-operation with hotels in the city with respect to the provision of advice and support for waste avoidance and recovery measures which can be adopted by this sector; and
• The setting-up of a committee to tackle the litter problem in the city. Represented on this committee are stakeholders such as the Chamber of Commerce, Cork Business Association, IBEC, Secondary and Primary Schools, Garda Siochana, Cork Community Development Institute and Cork & Kerry Tourism.
• Development of a Sustainable City Campus.

1.6 The Waste Management Planning Process

The process involved in preparing this Waste Management Plan has been as shown below. As can be seen, there are two main elements of public consultation involved – highlighting the importance of stakeholder involvement and commitment in waste management planning.

Publish Notice of Intention to Prepare a Waste Management Plan

+ Invite Submissions from Interested Parties

+ Two-month Public Consultation Period

Prepare Draft Waste Management Plan

(Taking into Consideration Submissions Received)

Publish Notice Announcing that the Draft Waste Management Plan is Available for
Consultation

+ Invite Submissions from Interested Parties

+ Two-month Public Consultation Period

Revise Draft Waste Management Plan (Incorporating Submissions Received ) Publish Final Waste Management Plan, and Make Available to the Public

Submissions

Submissions were received from the following in response to statutory notice of the City Council’s intention to review its Waste Management Plan

• Indaver ( Ireland )
• Cork Environmental Forum

Indaver (Ireland)

This submission reviewed Cork City Council’s existing Waste Management Policy as set out in the Joint Waste Management Strategy 1995 and the city’s Waste Management Plan 1999 – 2004.

It made the following recommendations:

• The development of a comprehensive integrated waste management structure within the Region with emphasis on re-use, recycling, biological treatment, and waste to energy, and a move away from the over reliance on landfill.
• The provision of source separated collections of dry recyclables and organic material for householders and commercial businesses. This will improve recycling rates across the county and reduce contamination of the separated organic waste stream which will ensure that quality composted material will have a monetary value.
• The inclusion of Waste-to-Energy as an acceptable and necessary option for the treatment of residual non-hazardous material generated within the Region and a preferred method above landfill. This can include residues (dry-fraction) from the proposed mechanical separation plant and also mixed residual municipal waste.

The thrust of this submission is generally in line with both City Council and County Council policy on waste management infrastructure. However, during the currency of this plan Scenario 2 of the Waste Management Strategy adopted by both Councils, which promotes recycling, mechanical separation and use of residual landfill without the heat to energy option is still the preferred option.

Cork Environmental Forum

This submission included the policy document adopted on waste management that recommends an integrated approach with an emphasis on minimisation, re use, recycling prior to final disposal.

The main points made in the submission in relation to the sustainable management of waste are covered in the plan, together with the various recommendations for bring sites, etc. The suggestion that the plan be called the Resource Management Plan to emphasise the reuse and recycling of materials is not accepted as the Act refers to a Waste Management Plan.

1.7 Structure of the Waste Management Plan for Cork City

The Plan addresses all areas of waste management – from waste prevention and minimisation, to the collection, treatment, recovery and final disposal of unavoidable wastes. It not only considers the practicalities of waste management, however, but also the issues of public education and changing concepts, as these are vital to a successful management system. The key information that is included in this Plan details:

• The waste management systems and measures currently in place, or which are planned during the five-year period covered by the Plan;
• The current status of waste management in the city (e.g. recycling rates);
• The waste management challenges facing the City Council over the next five years;
• The City Council’s plans for each of the specific waste streams arising in the city over the next five years; and
• The City Council’s responsibilities as laid down in the government’s waste management legislation.

This Plan is laid out in a manner that broadly reflects the Waste Management Hierarchy, as follows:

a) Preface – which describes the major waste-producing sectors in Cork City,and provides other relevant background information (Chapter Two);

b) Overview of Policy & Legislation. (Chapter Three);

c) Overview of current efforts towards preventing and reducing wasteproduction in the city (Chapter Four);

d) A description of the manner in which these wastes are collected and delivered to waste management facilities (Chapter Five);

e) Information on the quantities and types of waste which are generated each year in Cork City (Chapter Six);

f) The types and levels of waste re-use and recycling undertaken in the city (Chapter Seven); and

f) The types and quantities of waste landfilled in the city (and in other landfills outside the Borough) (Chapter Eight).

Finally, the Plan identifies and discusses the likely future trends which will affect waste management in the city over the coming years ( Chapter Nine), and presents the City Council’s specific action plans for the next five years (Chapter Ten).

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2. Perface

2.1 Introduction

Waste management planning in a given area is dependent on a range of different variables – such as the level of industrial and agricultural activity, number of households, and the disposal capacity remaining in landfill. This Plan gives due consideration to questions such as:

What are the risks to rivers, lakes and other water resources of undertaking waste storage or disposal in Cork City? This question is answered by reviewing the nature of the bedrock that underlies the city, and the types of soil that overlay that rock. The topography of the area is also important. The combination of bedrock and soil in a given area determines the speed with which contaminated water from waste management activities might potentially reach groundwater ¹² supplies, whereas the nature of the soil and the slope of the land will determine whether rivers and lakes might be affected.

What areas must be protected from the potential effects of waste management activities? In-line with our goal of sustainable development, Cork City Council will protect to the maximum possible extent the environment in general, and those lands or habitats which are of particular importance. The latter includes areas and habitats which have been identified as being of local or national significance (e.g. Natural Heritage Areas), land which has been earmarked for green space or recreational development (as identified in the Cork City Development Plan), or groundwater reserves which are known to be at risk.

How many people live in Cork City, and how many houses do they occupy? Local authorities must regulate the appropriate collection of household wastes, either by private collectors or by the Local Authority. It is thus vital that any planning procedure takes into consideration the numbers of households in a given area – so that refuse collection regime can be developed and the required capacity of recycling centres can be planned.

What are the main waste-producing sectors in Cork City? It is important that these waste producers be identified so that effective waste management planning and public awareness programmes can be facilitated.

¹² Underground water reserves that are often used to extract drinking water.

2.2Cork City – General Description

Cork City is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, owing its origin to Saint Finbarr who founded a monastery on the south bank of the River Lee in the sixth century. The city covers an area of 3,700 hectares, through which several river systems flow to the sea at Cork Harbour – including the Rivers Lee, Curraheen, Glen and Tramore. The built fabric of Cork City is mainly post-seventeenth century. Medieval Cork developed on islands in the River Lee and its original layout survives today in the historic core of the city, centred on North and South Main Street. The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw further infilling of the river channels to create the current principal streets, for example, Patrick Street and Grand Parade.

2.3 Geology, Hydrogeology, and Water Supplies

In geological terms, the underlying bedrock of the city is largely limestone, occurring in the central belt from Ballincollig to Lough Mahon. Four main types of limestone predominate, namely:

a) Massive pale grey biomicrite limestone;

b) Well-bedded bioclastic shaley limestone;

c) Poorly-bedded grey biomicrite limestone; and

d) Poorly-bedded grey biomicrite and biosparite limestone with sparse oolitic levels.

In addition, significant bedrock deposits of sandstone (green and grey, and green and brown) and siltstone (red and purple, dark grey with thin sandy streaks, and grey with heterolithic beds) also occur (Figure 2.1). The major implication of this limestone-dominated geology is that engineering works, housing developments, construction projects, and waste storage or treatment works must take into consideration the permeable (i.e. porous) nature of the bedrock.

The soil structure in the area of Cork surrounding the Borough of Cork City can be described as being predominantly Acid Brown Earth and Brown Podzolic (Figure 2.2). Both of these soil types have good moisture-retention characteristics, and are relatively free draining. Heavy clay-like soils overlying limestone can create a natural barrier to the movement of liquids and other contaminants down to, and through, the bedrock. This is the situation at the Kinsale Road Landfill site where a thick layer of such soil effectively acts as a natural landfill liner (which is a layer of material used to contain waste within the landfill), thus reducing the risk of downward movement of leachate at this location.

The hydrology of an area relates to the number, type, and distribution of its rivers. In Cork City, the main river channels are those of the Lee, Glen, Tramore, Trabeg, Glasheen, and Curraheen.

The EPA surveyed the quality of Irish rivers and subsequently published the results in 2000. The quality of the River Lee upstream of Cork City continues to be ‘satisfactory’ (apart from Inniscarra Bridge). Downstream of the city, the estuary is moderately polluted. However the Waste Water Treatment plant for Cork City is now in operation (2004) and it is hoped that the treatment of the waste waster will help restore the polluted section of the river to its original, unpolluted state.

There are no national quality standards for streams such as the Glen, Tramore, etc. around Cork City. Cork City Council has been carrying out ongoing monitoring of the Tramore and Trabeg streams adjacent to the landfill. The pollution levels in these have shown some improvement since the provision of leachate collection systems and associated engineered cap. It is hoped that the water quality level at these sites will improve in time once these mitigation measures are fully realised.

All of the drinking water used to supply the city of Cork is extracted from the River Lee. The Lee Road Waterworks produces 50,000 cubic meters (m³) (50 million litres) per day and Cork County Council supplies an additional 19,000 cubic meters (m ³) (19 million litres) per day in to the city water network. These figures may fluctuate according to demand.

In a pro-active effort to optimise the environmental performance of the city’s water supply network, Cork City Council initiated the ‘Cork Water Management and Water Conservation Project’ in September 1997. The main objectives of this programme were the mapping and modelling of Cork’s water supply network, and the completion of a pilot scheme aimed at detecting leaks in the system. As a result of this project the city’s water network has been divided into 47 discrete areas, each of which has a district-metering system installed which can be monitored remotely via a computerised telemetry system. This system enables wastage to be detected and controlled on an ongoing basis. This water wastage minimisation project, which was financed by the EU’s Cohesion Fund at a cost of approximately €2.95 million ended in December 2002.

Although groundwater is not significantly used to source Cork City’s drinking water, it is still vital that this natural resource be protected. There is as yet no information available as to the overall quality of the groundwater underlying the city. It is thus difficult to assess how vulnerable this resource might be. Cork City Council is continually monitoring the aquifer underlying the Kinsale Road Landfill Site in accordance with the EPA Waste License 12 – 2.

Whilst the stratigraphy underlying the landfill site provides a degree of protection against the vertical movement of leachate, nevertheless ground water quality deteriorated over the years until mitigating measures were introduced to collect leachate and prevent the infiltration of rainwater through the emplacement of an engineered cap.

A leachate collection system is fully operational and approximately 40% (May 2004) of the active portion of the landfill site is now capped. This capping process will continue into the future.

The Geological Survey of Ireland is currently in the process of calculating and mapping groundwater vulnerability (the likelihood of a contamination event having a serious ecological impact) across the country. Several counties have already been mapped, but the information for Cork City has not yet been fully compiled. Details of the city’s groundwater vulnerability will thus be included in the next Waste Management Plan.

It should be noted that the treatment of Cork City’s drinking water supply is itself an activity which produces wastes.

Similarly, sewage from households and other premises also requires treatment, and solid wastes are produced as a result of this treatment.

To comply with the E.U. Waste Water Directive and the Government Environment Action Plan, Cork City Council is obliged to collect and treat all sewage discharges arising.

After exhaustive examination of the options, Cork City Council embarked on one of the largest engineering and environmental projects ever undertaken by a Local Authority in Ireland, i.e. the Cork Main Drainage Scheme (CMD). The completion of the CMD will have a major influence in improving the water quality and aesthetics in both the city and upper harbour, with resultant amenity and economic benefits.

In this scheme which is currently being commissioned, sewage will flow by gravity from the main outfall points through a large trunk sewer to a site east of the Atlantic Pond. It will then be pumped to a treatment plant at Carrigrennan, Little Island. There, the wastewater will receive intensive treatment before discharge to the deep water off Marino Point. The Plant, using some of the most advanced wastewater technology, will treat domestic and industrial wastewater from Cork City, the Tramore Valley, Little Island, Glounthane and Glanmire to a very high quality.

It should be noted that no Water Quality Management Plan has, as yet, been prepared for Cork City.

In regard to Air Quality, Cork City Council’s Environment Directorate maintains a number of Air Monitoring Stations around the city where various air quality parameters are measured and an annual report is produced. The air quality in Cork City has improved considerably since the introduction of the ban of the sale of bituminous coal in the early 1990s. The widespread use of natural gas heating, unleaded petrol and the provision of The Jack Lynch Tunnel, which diverts large numbers of H.G.V.s from the city, have also contributed to the improvement of the air quality in Cork. Air Quality is well within the appropriate compliance limits in respect of each parameter monitored.

2.4 Land-use and Protected Habitats

The most important implications of planned land-use in the city are the impacts that it will have on the quantities and types of wastes produced – for example, household, commercial and industrial wastes. Section 2.20 of the Cork City Development Plan (2004) identified key development opportunities viz:

• Mixed use development;
• Higher density development, where appropriate;
• Good public transport provision;
• Good quality environment and services; and,
• High quality urban design. Sections 2.22 – 2.25 of the Development Plan outline the following locations as areas of growth:
• The City Centre
• Docklands
• Blackpool Valley / Kilbarry
• Mahon Peninsula

Residents of Cork City have access to a range of amenities, particularly public parks, open spaces and shoreline (along Cork Harbour and the Douglas Estuary). The Greater Cork Area is readily accessible to city inhabitants (Figure 2.3). Cork City Council provides 64 sports grounds and other facilities for public use. The Lee and Curraheen River valleys form the largest recreational areas in the city, including the Lee Fields and the Mardyke. Other key amenity assets in the city include Fitzgerald’s Park, Bishop Lucey Park, Glen Amenity Park, Shalom Park and the Marina to name but a few.

A major part of the existing Kinsale Road Landfill Site will be converted into an amenity area with zones dedicated to sporting activities, nature trails, special events areas as well as dedicated areas for active and passive recreational pursuits.

Figure 2.3: Amenities in Cork City

In terms of national nature conservation designations, Cork City incorporates proposed National Heritage Areas (NHAs) as well as other designations such as Wildfowl Sanctuary (Figure 2.4). In particular, several parts of Cork Harbour have been designated as NHAs and fall under the jurisdiction of both the Cork City Council and Cork County Council.

Figure 2.4: Protected Areas in Cork City

2.4.1. Proposed Natural Heritage Areas (NHA)

Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, provision was made for the designation of Natural Heritage Areas. The Heritage Service section of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government has the responsibility of designating protected nature conservation sites. Included under the designation are the requirements for notification of landowners and means for objection to the proposed designations. These NHAs overlap with other nature conservation designations to form a national framework for protected areas in Ireland. In Cork City a number of areas have been designated as Proposed Natural Heritage Areas by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and landowners have been asked to refrain from activities which might impair or threaten them. Proposed NHAs are:

• Western part of Lough Mahon,
• Douglas Estuary,
• Cork Lough

2.4.2. Special Protection Areas

In addition to the Proposed NHA designation both the Douglas Estuary and the western part of Loughmahon have already been designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA) for Wild Birds under the European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds) Regulations, 1994. The importance of these areas was based on the presence of significant salt marshes, reed beds, intertidal mudflats and nationally important numbers of wading birds.

2.4.3. Wildlife Sanctuary

In addition to Cork Lough’s designation as a Proposed NHA it has an existing status under the Wildlife Act 1976 as a Wildfowl Sanctuary.

2.4.4. Salmonoid River

Under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive the River Lee is designated as a Salmanoid river from its source to the Cork City Waterworks. This imposes an obligation to maintain specific water quality standards and to control pollution.

2.5 Demographics

According to the Central Statistics Office, the 2002 Census indicates that 123,062 people were living in Cork city (127,187 in 1996). The population of Cork City reduced by 3.2% over this period whilst the population of the Cork Region showed an overall increase of 6.5%.

The Cork City Development Plan 2004 predicts that the population of the Greater Cork Area will increase by approximately 23% or 78,000 people by 2020 to give a total population of 423,150 people. During this timeframe it is anticipated there will be a growth in population of 12,010 people in respect of Cork City and a growth in dwellings of 11,090. Such a population growth in the city will constitute a reversal of the steady decline in population within the city over the past number of years. This historic decline was as a result of a fall of household size within the city and a growth in housing supply in locations outside the city boundary.

In 2000 the Cork Area Strategic Plan, (CASP) estimated employment figures by assuming that employment in the study area grew by 30% between 1996 and 2000 in line with national trends. Actual employment growth is not available for the study area but growth in the city in 2001 was recorded in the Employment and Land Use Survey carried out by Cork City Council. It reported a total of 72,193 people working in the city. This reflects the rapid economic growth that occurred from the mid 1990s to 2001, particularly in services and modern industry which are well represented in the city. All city sectors showed employment increases during the period, with the City Centre and the South West showing the greatest proportional increases, while the North West experienced the slowest growth rate.

Sustaining and increasing the current level of employment will depend on a positive economic climate and the successful development of new employment opportunities in the city, particularly in the City Centre / Docklands areas in the face of competition from suburban and out of city locations.

Table 2.1 shows the breakdown of the employment statistics in Cork City based on the 1996 Census. It is believed that whilst there may have been marginal changes in each sector, the table generally reflects the current breakdown of each employment sector in the city.

Table 2.1 Employment in Cork City

(Source: Central Statistics Office, 1996 Census)

2.6. Transport Infrastructure in Cork City

Generally the National Roads Network whilst comprising 6% of the total road length in the city, carries 35% of the traffic and a significantly larger fraction of the HGV elements.

The road network provides the principal means of private, public and freight transport into and out of the city.

Table 2.2 below details Cork City’s Road Network in terms of Road Class and length

Table 2.2 Cork City’s Road Network

2.6.1. Rail Infrastructure

The rail infrastructure in Cork is used mainly for intercity services between Cork and Dublin and also to Tralee via Mallow. Suburban rail services are confined to the Cork to Cobh line and to a lesser degree the Cork to Mallow line, currently represent a small but increasing portion of commuter journeys.

CASP has identified the need to reopen the Cork to Midleton line and to enhance services on the Cork to Mallow line.

The City Development Plan (2004) supports the recommendation of CASP in regard to the provision of dedicated Green Routes in certain locations in the city and the provision of Park & Ride facilities.

Cork City Council is currently constructing a 950 unit Park & Ride facility at the Blackash Site adjacent to the Kinsale Road Landfill Site. Part of this facility is now in operation (May 2004).

The provision of other such facilities in strategic areas around the city is being actively pursued by the City Council.

2.6.2.Cork Airport

Cork Airport is the country’s third airport in terms of volume after Dublin and Shannon. It is conveniently located 5 km south of the city with efficient road access to the centre. Cork Airport is influential in the economic growth of the city.

2.6.3. Port of Cork

The Port of Cork contributes to the economic success of the region also as it provides high quality facilities for the commercial, industrial and tourist sectors. The Car Ferry Terminal at Ringaskiddy connects Cork with Swansea, Roscoff and Le Havre.

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Chapter 3: Waste Management Policy and Legislation

3.1 Background Policy and Legislation

As a Member State, Ireland’s waste management policies are based upon and reflect those developed at European Union level. Subsequent legislation also derives from that adopted by the EU. Appropriate measures undertaken by Ireland and Cork City Council to develop waste management, including this plan, must therefore:

• Have due regard to the founding principles that form the basis of EU waste management policies and programmes.
• Be based upon and comply with the legislation developed at EU and national level.
• Respect the obligations of the Single Market.
• The principles established by the Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC and the EU Strategy for waste management ¹³ are highly relevant in the planning process and can be summarised as follows¹⁴:
• To secure the conservation of nature and resources, waste generation must be minimised and avoided where possible ( prevention principle).
• To secure a reduction in the impacts from waste on human health and the environment, especially to reduce the hazardous substances in waste, through the precautionary principle.
• To make sure that those who generate waste or contaminate the environment should pay the full costs of their actions through the principles of the polluter pays and producer responsibility.
• To secure an adequate infrastructure by establishing an integrated and adequate network of disposal facilities, based on the principle of proximity and self-sufficiency.

¹³ Communication from the Commission on the review of the Community Strategy for Waste Management COM (96)399 final. Council Resolution of 24 February 1997 on a Community strategy on waste management.
¹⁴ From: European Commission Environment DG; European Topic Centre on Waste and Material Flows Preparing a Waste Management Plan A methodological guidance note May 2003.

The hierarchy for waste management operations was laid down in Directive 75/442/EEC and in the EU Strategy for waste management and gives waste prevention the highest priority, followed by recycling and other types of recovery. Optimum final disposal is at the bottom of this hierarchy.

The EU Strategy also stresses the need for :

• Reduced waste movements and improved waste transport regulation
• New and better waste management tools such as:

a) regulatory and economic instruments,

b) reliable and comparable statistics on waste,

c) waste management plans,

d) proper enforcement of legislation.

These are strategic means to fulfil the objectives of the Waste Framework Directive. Waste prevention as a strategic element in the European waste policy is becoming increasingly important. This is discussed in further detail in Section 3.2 below.

The European Union’s approach to waste management is thus based on three principles:

1. Waste prevention: This is a key factor in any waste management strategy. By reducing the amount of waste generated in the first place and its hazardousness, then disposing of it will automatically become simpler. Waste prevention is closely linked with improving manufacturing methods and influencing consumers to demand greener products and less packaging, thus tackling the issue of waste both at consumption and production levels.
2. Recycling and reuse: If waste cannot be prevented, as many of the materials as possible should be recovered, preferably by recycling. The European Commission has defined several specific ‘waste streams’ for priority attention, the aim being to reduce their overall environmental impact. This includes packaging waste, end-of-life vehicles, batteries, electrical and electronic waste. EU Directives now require Member States to introduce legislation on waste collection, reuse, recycling and disposal of these waste streams.
3. Improving final disposal and monitoring : Where possible, waste that cannot be recycled or reused should be safely incinerated, with landfill only used as a last resort. Both these methods need close monitoring because of their potential for causing severe environmental damage. The EU has recently approved a Directive setting strict guidelines for landfill management. It bans certain types of waste, such as used tyres, and sets targets for reducing quantities of biodegradable rubbish. Another recent Directive lays down tough limits on emission levels from incinerators. The Union also wants to reduce emissions of dioxins and acid gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxides (SO2), and hydrogen chlorides (HCL), which can be harmful to human health

3.1.1 EU Waste Legislation

Figure 3.1 gives an overview of EU Waste Legislation currently in force. Council Directive 75/442/EEC of 15 July 1975 on waste, as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991 represents the overall “framework” of EU regulations. It lays down requirements for all types of waste, unless they are specifically regulated by other Directives.

The other part of the waste framework legislation is the Hazardous Waste Directive, providing for the management, recovery and correct disposal of hazardous waste. In addition to the Waste Framework Directive , a number of other directives regulate specific waste streams. These are titanium dioxide waste, packaging and packaging waste, waste oils, PCBs and PCTs, batteries and accumulators, sewage sludge, end-of life vehicles (ELV), waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) as well as port reception facilities for waste from ships and cargo residues.

Finally, a group of directives regulate waste treatment operations: incineration of municipal and hazardous waste, and disposal of waste through landfilling. A specific type of permit is required for certain waste management operations under Council Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control. Council Regulation 259/93 regulates transfrontier shipments of waste.

Figure 3.1: Overview of EU Waste Management Legislation

Specific Waste Streams

• Disposal of Waste oils (75/439/EEC)
• Waste from titanium dioxide industry (78/176/EEC)
• Sewage sludge (86/278/EEC)
• Batteries and accumulators (91/157/EEC)
• Packaging & packaging waste (94/62/EC
• Disposal of PCBs & PCTs (96/59/EC
• End of life vehicles (2000/59/EC)
• Waste electrical & electronic equipment (2000/95/EC) & (2000/95/EC)

Treatment & Disposal facilities

• Municipal waste incineration (89/429/EEC) & (89/369/EEC)
• Hazardous waste incineration (94/67/EC)
• Incineration of waste (2000/76/EC repeals the 3 directives above)
• Landfill of waste (99/31/EC)
• Integrating pollution prevention & control (96/61/EC covers some recovery and disposal operations)

Waste Framework

• Directive on waste (75442/EEC)
• Directive on hazardous waste (91/689/EEC)

Shipment, import & export

• Supervision & control of transfrontier shipment of waste (Regulation 259/93)

3.2 Irish Waste Management Policy

In order to manage its waste in a sustainable manner, in recent years Ireland has adopted a number of important policies in relation to resource use, waste management, sustainability and the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions. Specific policy documents include:

• A National Policy Statement on Waste Management “Changing Our Ways”, issued in September 1998.
• A Supplementary Policy Statement “Delivering Change” dedicated to the higher priority waste management practices of Prevention, Re-Use and Recycling, issued in March 2002.
• A National Hazardous Waste Management Plan designed to prevent and manage hazardous waste, adopted in July 2001.
• A National Sustainable Development Strategy “Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland”, issued in 1997 and supplemented by “Making Ireland‘s Development Sustainable: Review, Assessment and Future Action” issued in August 2002.
• A National Climate Change Strategy, issued in October 2000 and Supplemented by a Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy issued in May 2002.
• Waste Management Taking stock and Moving Forward (April 2004).
• Consultation document on Biodegradable Waste.

Other important steps have also been taken to stem the growth of waste. The legislative framework has been strengthened by the Environmental Protection Agency Act (1992), the Waste Management Acts (1996 to 2003), as well as several other Regulations. The setting up of an Office of Environmental Enforcement in October 2003 is designed to improve enforcement of such legislation. Economic instruments have been applied, including the landfill levy, plastic bags levy and the setting up of the Environment Fund. Awareness levels are rising through the It‘s Easy to Make a Difference campaign, the Race Against Waste Programme, ENFO and locally by Local Agenda 21 and Environmental Education Officers, the Green Flag Programme etc.

3.2.1 Changing Our Ways, 1998

The policy document Changing Our Ways, sets out national recovery, recycling and diversion from landfill targets, and discusses the changing role of the local authority in waste management. Emphasis is, in addition, placed on the Polluter Pays Principle, and waste related charges. The most important targets and performance indicators identified in this policy statement include:

• Diversion of 50% of overall household waste from landfill;
• Reduction, by a minimum of 65%, of the biodegradable wastes consigned to landfill;
• Recycling of 35% of Municipal Solid Waste;
• Development of composting and other feasible biological treatment facilities capable of treating up to 300,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste per annum;
• 80% reduction in methane emissions from landfill;
• Rationalisation of the country’s 100 landfills to approximately 20 state-of-the-art facilities.

3.2.2 Delivering Change, 2002 :

The 2002 supplementary policy statement Delivering Change is dedicated to the higher priority waste management practices of Prevention, Re-Use and Recycling. It evolved from and is grounded in the 1998 policy statement Changing Our Ways and aims to ensure that Ireland meets the targets it contained by positive and effective actions including organisational change

The document

• highlights the necessary disciplines that must be imposed within waste management systems to secure real progress on waste prevention, re-use and recovery;
• outlines a range of measures that will be undertaken in the interests of minimising waste generation and ensuring a sustained expansion in re-use and recycling performance; and
• identifies issues and possible actions that require further systematic consideration.
• commits to the setting up of a National Waste Management Board in 2002 to co-ordinate, monitor, review and advise on all aspects of waste management policy at all levels of the waste hierarchy.

3.2.2(a) Prevention and Minimisation

Delivering Change commits to:

• The establishment of a well-resourced National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) to deliver substantial results on waste prevention and minimisation;
• The establishment of a “Core Prevention Team” (CPT) within the EPA to drive this initiative;
• The establishment of a Prevention Programme Steering Group, that will co-ordinate/liase with public authorities at all levels, monitor the overall thrust of the National Waste Prevention Programme, and provide strategic direction to the Core Prevention Team;
• The introduction of a system of mandatory waste audits and waste reduction programmes for businesses which fall below the threshold for Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licensing.

3.2.2(b) Reuse:

The implementation of a 15 cent levy on plastic shopping bags and encouragement of their substitution by re-usable bags;

3.2.2(c) Recycling:

• The establishment of a Recycling Consultative Forum to be supported by the National Waste Management Board, and to act as a consultative and advisory body on all aspects of recycling;
• The provision of €127 million in EU/Exchequer support for waste recovery
• infrastructure, including recycling infrastructure, in the period 2002 – 2006;
• The introduction of a landfill levy and the implementation of national bans on landfilling specific materials;
• The utilisation of revenues from the new plastic bag and landfill levies, through the Environment Fund (provided for under the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001) to assist waste recycling activities;
• The provision of € 0.635 million seed funding for establishment in 2002 of a Market Development Programme which will identify and promote markets for recyclable material;

3.2.2(d) Producer Responsibility

In co-operation with business the Government will:

• Put in place measures to support Ireland’s attainment of 50% recovery of packaging waste by 2005, (including dedicated arrangements for specific materials such as PET and Tetra Pak);
• Carry out a comprehensive review of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997;
• Put in place measures to ensure that end-of-life vehicles and waste electrical and electronic equipment are recovered and recycled in accordance with, and within the timescales set out in, the relevant EU Directives;
• Put in place an effective system to ensure that the recycling targets for Construction and Demolition Waste, of 50% by 2003 and 85% by 2013, are met by the construction industry;
• Establish producer responsibility initiatives in 2002 to recycle newsprint, tyres and batteries;
• Where necessary, require problematic sectors to introduce waste recovery schemes using powers under the Waste Management Acts;
• Ensure an effective enforcement regime for Regulations made under the Waste Management Acts in support of producer responsibility initiatives;
• Establish a Producer Responsibility Unit within the EPA to carry out research, monitor performance under specific producer responsibility initiatives, and secure better enforcement and promote good practice.

3.2.2(e) Biological Treatment of Organic Waste

• Draw up a National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste in the Municipal Waste Stream
• Support the provision by local authorities of infrastructure for the biological treatment of organic waste;
• Introduce product standards for compost derived from municipal waste;
• Encourage the development of markets for those products;
• Support the development of widespread home composting.

3.2.2(f) Public Service Waste Management Programme

The Government will:

• Develop a public service waste management programme;
• Promote, in particular, the use of recycled material in public procurement policies, including ensuring that within 2 years, all public authorities use recycled paper for routine use;
• Strengthen the green networks that exist between Government Departments and between local authority Environmental Awareness officers.

3.3 Irish Waste Management Legislation

A significant amount of Irish waste management legislation is now in place, much of which requires implementation by or with the involvement of local authorities. Much of such legislation is complex and wide ranging covering issues such as waste management (collection, recovery, disposal, etc.); transfrontier shipment; hazardous waste management and movement; packaging waste; licensing; permitting and littering; also specific waste streams such as sludges, farm plastics, etc.

A brief outline of some of this legislation follows.

3.3.1 Waste Management Acts 1996 – 2003

The purpose of the Waste Management Acts, 1996 to 2003 is to provide a modern and comprehensive legislative framework for the prevention, management and control of waste. A system of licensing is being implemented for waste management facilities, but the Act does not apply to emissions that are already taken care of under separate controls such as emissions to atmosphere, sewage and other effluents. The Acts place an onus on persons to handle waste including its disposal in such a way as not to cause environmental pollution.

The waste management Act 1996 provides inter alia for

• The making by a local authority of a waste management ;
• Local authorities to collect or arrange for the collection of domestic waste and provide or make provision for the disposal of same. Local authorities may collect commercial waste;
• Measures for the prevention and minimisation of waste production including making regulations for control and management of various types of waste streams;
• The nature, composition or design and the uses of packaging;
• Various enforcement duties in relation to waste by local authorities
• Licencing of waste recyling, storage and disposal facilities

The Waste Management Act, 1996 (S.I. No. 10 of 1996) was amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 (No. 30 of 2000). The Act introduces new provisions governing the interface between planning control and licensing in relation to development under the Waste Management Act, 1996. At present only the EPA can comment on environmental issues in relation to such development. Under the Act, An Bord Pleanála and the planning authority will be allowed to take environmental issues into account in deciding whether to grant permission or not to a licensed activity. However, they cannot impose conditions on such a facility. This function remains for the EPA.

3.3.2 Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001

The aims of the Waste Management (Amendment) Act, 2001 are:

(a) to change the procedure for the adoption of regional waste management plans.

(b )to introduce a landfill levy, at an initial rate of up to €19 per tonne.

(c) to introduce a plastic shopping bag levy, of up to 19 c per bag.

(d) to introduce a general clause to prohibit/limit the recovery/disposal of specified waste streams to specified types of facilities or in a specified manner. This clause can be utilised to ban landfill of certain wastes.

(e) to establish an Environment Fund.

3.3.3 Protection of the Environment Act 2003

The Protection of the Environment Act 2003 makes some changes to elements of the Waste Management Act 1996 including the following:

• local authorities are being given explicit power to discontinue the collection of domestic waste in the event of non-payment of charges and to set up a system of providing evidence of such payment
• local authorities have powers to impose, as an executive function, charges for the provision of any waste service
• the variation or replacement of a waste management plan will become an executive function, i.e. a matter for local authority managers.

3.3.4 National Hazardous Waste Management Plan

A National Hazardous Waste Management Plan was published by the EPA in July 2001. This plan deals with the prevention and minimisation, recovery, collection, movement and disposal of hazardous waste. Local authorities must have regard to and implement relevant recommendations contained in the plan. The plan includes:

• A target for the reduction of hazardous waste disposal to 1996 levels by a date to be agreed via negotiation with relevant sectoral representatives.
• The establishment of a Prevention Programme.
• Development of hazardous waste disposal and recovery facilities, including hazardous waste landfill and thermal treatment to reduce export reliance.
• A target for the elimination of unreported hazardous waste.
• Identification, prioritisation and remediation of historical hazardous waste disposal sites.
• Improved collection structure for household, agricultural and SME hazardous waste.

3.4 Regulations under the Waste Management Acts

The following is a list of the main regulation made under the Waste Management Acts with a brief note on the main effects of the regulations. More detailed reference is made to the relevant regulations in the other chapters of this plan as necessary.

Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 137 of 1997): These Regulations specify matters to be addressed in local authority waste management plans.

Waste Management (Register) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 183 of 1997): These Regulations prescribe information to be entered in public registers to be maintained by local authorities and the EPA.

Waste Management (Farm plastics) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 315 of 1997): These Regulations impose producer responsibility obligations on persons (manufacturers, and importers) who supply certain farm plastics to the Irish market.

European Communities (Licensing of Incinerators of Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 64 of 1998): These Regulations implement EU Council Directive 94/67/EC on the incineration of hazardous waste.

Waste Management (Amendment of Waste Management Act, 1996) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 146 of 1998): These Regulations amend the scope of section 51(2) of the 1996 Act, concerning the recovery of sludges and agricultural waste.

Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 147 of 1998): These Regulations provide for a system of consignment notes in respect of the movement of hazardous waste within the State and transpose certain related EU requirements into Irish legislation.

Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 148 of 1998): These replace 1991 Regulations made for the purpose of giving effect to Council Directive 86/278/EEC on the protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is used in agriculture.

Waste Management (Transfrontier Shipments of Waste) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 149 of 1998): These replace 1994 Regulations made for the purposes of giving effect to Council Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 on the supervision and control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the European Community, and provide for certain administrative details, in particular relating to enforcement.

Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 163 of 1998): These Regulations update and replace a number of previous Regulations, and implement provisions of several EU directives relating to asbestos waste, batteries and accumulators, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), waste oils and hazardous wastes generally.

Waste Management (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 164 of 1998): These Regulations provide for the permitting by local authorities of waste oil collection, and other miscellaneous matters.

Waste Management (Permit) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 165 of 1998): These Regulations provide for the granting of waste permits by local authorities in respect of specified waste recovery and disposal activities.

European Communities (Amendment of Waste Management Act, 1996) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 166 of 1998): These Regulations amend certain provisions of the 1996 Act for the purpose of enabling full effect.

Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 73 of 2000): The Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) (Amendment) Regulations, 2000 give effect to the provisions of Commission Directive 98/101/EC of 22 December 1998, which prohibits the marketing of all batteries and accumulators containing more than 0.0005% of mercury by weight, including those cases where the batteries and accumulators are incorporated into appliances. Button cells and batteries composed of button cells with a mercury content of no more than 2% by weight are exempted from this prohibition.

Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 185 of 2000): The Regulations consolidate the 1997 and 1998 Regulations, with a number of minor technical amendments, but also provide specifically for the licensing of mobile waste treatment plant to operate at more than one location.

Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 341 of 2001):These Regulations revise and replace the regulations of 1997 and are designed to assist the improved recovery of waste farm plastics. The Regulations impose obligations on producers and suppliers of certain farm plastics for this purpose including obligations, as appropriate, to operate a deposit and refund scheme, to collect waste farm plastics, to take steps for the recovery of such waste, to register with and provide information to local authorities and to provide information to purchasers. An exemption from these obligations is available to persons who participate in a waste recovery scheme operated by an approved body.

Waste Management (Prescribed Date) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 390 of 2001): These Regulations provide that 14 September 2001 is the prescribed date by which a waste management plan under section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 must be made.

Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 397 of 2001):These Regulations amend Article 23(1) of the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 185 of 2000). They provide that an application for the grant or review of a waste licence may be withdrawn only where the said application concerns a proposed waste activity.

Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 402 of 2001):These Regulations prescribe that on or after 30 November 2001, the collection of waste on a commercial basis requires a waste collection permit from a relevant local authority in accordance with section 34(1) of the Act. The Regulations set out procedures for the making of permit applications, public consultation, consideration by local authorities of submissions in relation to permit applications, and the grant, refusal and review of permits by local authorities. Certain waste collection activities that are subject to controls under other legislation are exempt from the permitting requirement.

Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations, 2001 (S.I.No. 605 of 2001) : These Regulations provide for the imposition of an environmental levy of 15 cent on plastic bags from 4th March, 2002. They also provide for the arrangements for the collection of the levy and specify the times at which the levy shall be paid.

Waste Management (Licensing)(Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 336 of 2002): European Communities (Amendment of Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2000) regulations 2002.

Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 2003: These Regulations replace the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997 and are designed to promote the recovery of packaging waste. They are intended, in particular, to facilitate the achievement of the targets for the recovery of packaging waste established by Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

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Chapter 4: Public Awareness and Waste Avoidance

4.1 Introduction

This chapter addresses both waste avoidance and public awareness – reflecting the fact that waste avoidance measures and campaigns are ineffective without the commitment and participation of all relevant waste producers and stakeholders. International experience has demonstrated that stakeholder commitment is best obtained and maintained via the development of targeted and continuous public awareness programmes. This information must convince waste producers of the benefits of avoiding waste production, and the negative environmental impacts of continuing current habits. As well as identifying the problem, however, this information must also include the solution to the problem – in other words, simple, easy-to-follow instructions identifying the most effective methods of avoiding waste.

A great deal of emphasis is always placed on the ways in which municipal waste arisings are handled, treated and disposed of. A far more sustainable approach, however, would be to ensure that the waste is not generated in the first place (waste prevention). If it is not produced, it does not have to be managed – however, there will always be situations where some waste production is unavoidable. The best approach in the latter case would be to ensure that the quantity produced is as low as it can possibly be ( waste minimisation or reduction). This approach is also in accordance with EU and National Policy.

As well as targeting the actual quantities of waste produced in the city, it is also important that the pollution-potential of waste be reduced. This requires the substitution of hazardous materials with more environmentally friendly alternatives. This goal also requires specific, targeted public awareness efforts.

4.2 Waste Avoidance

Reducing the amount or pollution-potential of municipal solid waste and the other wastes produced in a given area is a preventative action – and it thus has a fundamentally different function to waste management proper. Reducing waste quantities offers many potential benefits – e.g. fewer environmental problems with waste management, lower waste management costs, increased conservation, more efficient use of resources and increased public confidence in industry and government. The economic benefits of reduced raw material usage, lower energy requirements and less land utilisation for waste disposal activities are also significant.

Several obstacles have inhibited substantial waste prevention and minimisation efforts to-date in Ireland, as well as in the rest of the developed world. Some of these are cultural or economic – and are thus market-driven. For example, there has been little onus on the manufacturers of products to minimise packaging, as the latter does not enter the waste stream for some time after the finished and packed product leaves the factory. The producer, in addition, tends to exploit the strong marketing link between attractive packaging (which often means more packaging) and consumer acceptance of a product. Consumers in addition have, until recently, given little thought to the need to buy products with less unnecessary packaging as there has been no financial incentive for them to do so.

Another barrier to waste prevention is our modern consumer’s desire for convenience and disposable products. The latter can form a large proportion of the municipal solid waste stream but are difficult to eliminate as they serve a number of functions – including sanitation, theft prevention, public safety, weight reduction and customer appeal.

Consumption and production patterns will only improve, however, as a result of significant behavioural and cultural changes, as well as economic considerations. The main ways in which these necessary changes can be made are if:

• Public awareness of the issue is raised;
• Government (both central and local) generates guidelines or legislates for the prevention and minimisation of waste (for example, increasing landfill charges); and/ or
• The manufacturers of products make significant efforts (either forced on them by legislation or economics, or pro-actively initiated) to reduce packaging levels. Experience has shown that there are substantial financial benefits to be gained from the stream-lining of industrial and manufacturing processes to facilitate the minimisation of waste generation.

The initiation of the REPAK scheme, together with a ban on certain waste streams from landfill, is currently effecting a reduction of wastes to landfill.

4.3 Target Waste Producers

The goal of waste avoidance and reduction requires a long-term programme of public information, research and development, training events and pilot schemes. In addition, customised programmes for each of the different waste-producing sectors in the city are required. The results of such programmes, however, may require some time before they become measurable or tangible. This is particularly true of small individual waste producers such as householders and small businesses. It reflects the fact that the benefits of waste avoidance practices often accumulate only in small increments – which may in fact be so small as to be difficult to identify.

Industrial companies and other large waste producers often implement successful waste avoidance schemes relatively easily, on the other hand, reflecting the fact that the economies of scale involved make benefits more easily discernible at an earlier stage. This in turn makes such schemes more attractive to the company and more likely to be repeated.

Cork City Council recognises the individual needs of the different waste producers in the city and is committed to the development and dissemination of an aggressive long-term public awareness campaign highlighting waste avoidance measures specific to these sectors. These campaigns will target all waste producers but with particular emphasis on householders, businesses and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The latter choice reflects the fact that larger industrial companies are often very pro-active in the implementation of waste avoidance measures as such activities are required by the EPA’s licensing system ¹⁵ for large industrial activities and also by many quality and environment improvement standards.

¹⁵ The Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) Licence System.

Smaller industrial companies fall outside this licensing net and do not, therefore, have the same incentives and/ or information to avoid waste production. Similarly, householders often feel that the small amounts of waste that they produce are unimportant relative to industrial wastes generated in a given area, for example. However, this perception must change, as the combined small quantities of household waste produced in a city such as Cork usually comprise one of the biggest single waste streams entering municipal landfills.

Effective waste avoidance requires habit-change, and can sometimes prove to be a slow and lengthy process. This acts as a disincentive for change. As tangible proof, therefore, of the City Council’s commitment to waste reduction, the local authority will ensure that the waste avoidance measures communicated to the public by its information campaigns will also be fully and pro-actively adopted with respect to its own activities. In other words, Cork City Council must be treated like any other waste producer. Cork City Council thus has two main roles to fulfil with respect to its target of reducing the quantity of waste produced by Cork City. These are:

1. To support, encourage and promote waste avoidance measures; and
2. To ensure that City Hall produces less waste over the five-year period covered by this Plan.

4.4 Waste Avoidance Measures Initiated by Cork City Council

Although local authorities cannot significantly influence certain specific aspects of manufacturing and consumerism, the City Council can influence and guide the choices made by the public, manufacturers and landfill users in Cork City. The City Council plans, therefore, to continue and expand its current programme of disseminating waste avoidance information. In addition, a series of waste self-audits and information packs will be prepared to coincide with the needs of two specific waste producing sectors in the city – namely householders and SMEs. Waste reduction targets will also be encouraged for SMEs and hotels.

An aspirational target of reducing the quantity of industrial waste produced in the city by 10% is proposed by the City Council for the five-year period covered by this Plan. Whether or not such a target can be achieved, however, will depend on the commitment of the companies involved as well as their current baseline performance.Some of the methods by which the City Council has already promoted waste avoidance are summarised in the following paragraphs.

4.4.1 Waste Avoidance Education and Initiatives for Schools

Cork City Council recognises the importance of targeting waste producers at the earliest possible age. To this end, it has pro-actively developed a programme of school’s visits that involve talks on different environmental and waste management issues. City Council staff develop and present this information to schoolchildren (and other waste producing sectors in the city). The aim of this information is to encourage practical waste avoidance initiatives within the school (e.g. composting projects). The City Council will continue to co-operate with Non-Governmental Organisations and businesses with respect to co-funding these initiatives.

4.4.2 The Green Flag Scheme for Schools

City schools are currently being encouraged to minimise waste in accordance with an innovative waste audit system modelled on international quality systems such as the International Standards’ Organisation’s ISO 9000 programme. A successful result in the waste audit is recognised and the school is then allowed to display a flag with the recycling logo on it. The waste audit is subsequently repeated every three years. To-date, 12 schools in Cork City have received the Green Flag Award.

This programme is jointly undertaken by both Cork City Council and County Council and is another example of the long-standing co-operation between the two local authorities with respect to waste management activities.

4.4.3 Investment in Relevant Research

Cork City Council has forged strong links with a number of third-level educational institutions around the region – for example University College Cork, the Clean Technology Centre and the Cork Institute of Technology. The advice and research findings obtained from these co-operative efforts are subsequently incorporated into the Public Awareness programmes undertaken by the City Council. It is likely that local authorities will enter into more and more of such co-operative efforts in the future as their role changes from a waste disposal-dominated one to a more advisory/ enforcement function.

4.4.4 The Green Fáilte Programme

Cork City Council and County Council have co-operated in the development of an environmental improvement programme aimed specifically at the hotel sector. The programme includes:

• Self-assessment questionnaires with built-in scoring systems;
• Identification of suitable improvement targets in-line with baseline performance;
• Provision of Information Packs;
• Public award ceremonies;
• Prizes for the best waste reduction ideas;
• Publication of reports outlining the types and scale of improvements which are possible – identifying ‘model’ hotels to act as incentives for the rest of the sector; and
• The completion of external audits of the hotels to verify the results of their in-house surveys.

4.5 Waste Avoidance in City Hall

4.5.1 Green Housekeeping Committee

A Green Housekeeping Committee, which meets monthly, has been set up within Cork City Council to address the entire field of sustainable development. One important element of the Committee’s responsibilities is the field of waste management – including the concepts of waste avoidance. The Committee is now pro-actively involved in all waste management decisions at City Hall.

This interdepartmental group advises all other divisions of the local authority as to their responsibilities in relation to waste management, energy usage and the environment generally. Another key function involves advising the purchasing departments of the City Council as to ways of reducing waste packaging and implementing City Council waste management policy. Successful schemes have included the returning of all computer hardware packaging waste to the supplier for recycling, the recycling of waste toner cartridges and office paper and the use of reusable envelopes for internal mail.

4.5.2 Voluntary Environmental Management System

In order to set a good example for the rest of the city, Cork City Council has implemented an Environmental Management System in City Hall. The implementation of such a system is a significant task as it involves the identification of all of the different environmental impacts occurring, and the initiation of measures to avoid those impacts. Waste management is an important element of any Environmental Management System. Cork City Council has received ISO 14001 accreditation for two of its Parks Sections and for the Kinsale Road Landfill Site. Cork City Council will continue its policy of seeking ISO14001 accreditation for more of its activities.

4.6 Public Awareness Measures

The City Council is committed to the principle of public education concerning waste management issues and has, therefore, pursued an intensive and pro-active public information campaign since the launch of the Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region in 1995. Other organisational procedures that have been put in place by the City Council to promote better waste management include participating in a joint public relations committee with Cork

County Council. It should be noted that the public awareness measures initiated by the City Council will be aimed not only at reducing the quantities of waste produced in the city, but also the harmful nature of that waste. In other words, information will be provided on environmentally friendly alternatives to products that would give rise to harmful or hazardous wastes materials.

Some of the other activities, which have been initiated by the local authority, are outlined in the following sections.

4.6.1 Database of Recycled Products

Cork City Council, in co-operation with Cork County Council, has prepared and disseminated a database of recycled products and materials for the use of the residents of the Cork Region. This information, which is based on a database developed by Forbairt , should form the basis of more informed decision-making on the part of the private sector as well as the general public in Cork.

4.6.2 The Cork Waste Management Strategy News  – 20/20 Vision

Cork City Council, in co-operation with Cork County Council, publishes a newsletter with widespread appeal for all sectors of the population. This publication provides information on waste management initiatives in the Cork region as well as giving helpful hints and tips for people wishing to minimise their waste production and increase their recycling activities.

4.6.3 Public Educational Programmes

The City Council gives many talks on waste minimisation and litter prevention to schools around the city, as international experience has shown that lifestyle change is more likely when the very young are recruited at an early stage. Green Housekeeping policies are also discussed and explained to local schoolchildren. It should be noted that this service is not just reserved for schools – rather the City Council will arrange educational events for any group which requests them (for example, national schoolteachers and small- and medium-sized enterprises). The City Council proposes to intensify and publicise these programmes which will be undertaken by the City Council staff.

The City Council utilises the available media (namely radio, newsprint and the City Council Website) to ensure that key decisions, policies and developments in the field of waste management are communicated effectively to the general public resident in the city.

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Chapter 5: Collection and Reception in Cork City

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Chapter 6: Waste Generation in Cork City

6.1. Introduction

In order to make appropriate and realistic plans for the management of waste in Cork City over the next five years, solid reliable data relating to the current situation are necessary. This section briefly outlines some of the ways in which the required background data have been gathered.

2003 has been chosen as the baseline year for the compilation of waste statistics for this Plan as the data relating to this year are the most accurate and up-to-date available. Information on the quantities and types of waste being generated, recycled, disposed of or otherwise managed in Cork City have been obtained from a number of sources, the most important of which are:

• The City Council’s own records and statistics relating to waste management in the city;
• Records of the quantities of waste being landfilled in the Cork Region in 2003;
• The EPA National Waste Database, 2001;
• The Waste Management Strategy for the Cork Region, 1995;
• Central Statistics Office;
• Information supplied from Waste Collection Contractors and permitted facilities;
• EPA Waste Licence and IPC-licence records;
• Various governmental data;
• The results of national and international research into waste management;
• TFS and C1 documentation;
• Other sources.

Some assumptions and estimations have been made in order to allow for the development of a satisfactory overview of Cork City’s waste management practices.

6.2. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

In this section the current situation with regard to the generation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is discussed. This is generally the waste type of most interest to local authorities as at present, it constitutes the vast majority of the waste which is landfilled in municipal facilities. Municipal solid waste is a collective term for three waste streams, namely:

• Household waste;
• Commercial waste (from banks, schools, hotels and shops); and

Public Cleansing (or street cleaning) and litter waste. These three waste streams are discussed individually in the following paragraphs.

6.2.1. Household Waste Arisings

Data from the 2002 census (Central Statistics Office, 2002) indicates that there are 123,062 persons and 42,742 households (including apartments, private homes, and local authority-owned houses) in Cork City, implying an average occupancy rate for the City of 2.8 persons per household.

The EPA National Waste Database Report, 2001 estimates that the quantity of household waste arising in Cork City is 56,472 tonnes. This represents a household waste generation rate of 0.46 tonne per capita or 1.32 tonne per household.

Data from the 2003 Kinsale Road Landfill Site Annual Environmental Report indicate that the quantity of household waste being landfilled at the Kinsale Road Landfill was 47,593 tonnes. This represents all of the household waste collected by Cork City Council’s refuse collection service (from approximately 98.25% of households in Cork City). The estimated household waste being landfilled from 100% of the households in Cork City is 48,441 tonnes.

The total quantity of household waste recycled in Cork City in 2003 was 3,761 tonnes. The total waste arising in 2003 therefore, for Cork City is 52,202 tonnes (= quantity landfilled + quantity recycled). This represents a total annual household waste generation rate of 0.42 tonne per capita and 1.22 tonne per household. The figure given is approximately 6,000 tonnes lower than the estimate made in the EPA National Waste Database (2001), the reason for this may be that in 2001, household waste collected in Cork County was being accepted for landfilling at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site and was incorrectly categorised as “city” waste. This is no longer the case.

6.2.2. Household Waste Composition

The composition of household waste has been determined by the EPA (National Waste Database, 2001) and is presented in Table 6.1 below. The actual quantities of each component wastestream generated by the domestic sector in Cork City have been calculated using the data for total household waste arising in Cork City and the EPA compositional data. This data is also presented in Table 6.1 below.

Table 6.1. Household Waste Composition

6.2.3. Commercial Waste Arising

As mentioned in Chapter 5 (section 5.2.2), the majority of the city’s commercial waste arisings are collected by either private waste contractors or the company’s own transport system. This waste is no longer landfilled at the Kinsale Road Landfill. This measure began with the introduction of a ban of 25% of commercial waste from landfill in September 2001 and progressed to a banning of 100% of all commercial waste from landfill in January 2004. The measure was introduced by Cork City Council as a means of preserving landfill space for domestic waste.

The quantity of commercial waste landfilled in the Kinsale Road Landfill site in 2003 was 6,911 tonnes; this is only a fraction of the total commercial waste arisings in the city. The lack of data on commercial waste arisings from the Kinsale Road landfill site increases the dependence on the waste contractors as a data source for commercial waste arisings. All commercial waste contractors in the city and surrounding area were sent a detailed questionnaire and the information received used to compile a more complete picture of commercial waste arisings in the city.

The information provided by the waste contractors, in addition to Cork City Council’s data from the Kinsale Road Landfill site, indicated that the total quantity of commercial waste arising in the city in 2003 was 43,972 tonnes. This is divided into a number of categories as illustrated in Table 6.2. below.

Table 6.2. Commercial Waste treatment

The EPA National Waste Database estimates the quantity of commercial waste arising in Cork City in 2001 as 66,549 tonnes. This is 22,577 tonnes more than the quantity given above. The difference may be attributed partially to the landfilling of commercial waste collected in Cork County at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site in 2001 and partially to inaccurate reporting of quantities of commercial waste collected by waste contractors in 2003.

The actual commercial waste arising is likely to be somewhere between the data generated by the waste contractors and the EPA database. For the purpose of this report, the quantity of commercial waste generated is assumed to be 59,023 tonnes¹⁸. This represents a total commercial waste generation rate of 0.48 tonne per capita and 1.38 tonne per household.

¹⁸ This assumes that two-thirds of the difference between the EPA National Waste Database data and the Waste Contractors data is due to inaccurate reporting by waste contractors in 2003 and one-third of the difference is due to landfilling of commercial waste originating in the County in the City landfill.

6.2.4. Commercial Waste Composition

The composition of commercial waste has been determined by the EPA (National Waste Database, 2001) and is presented in Table 6.3. The actual quantities of each component material generated by the commercial sector in Cork City have been calculated using the data for total commercial waste collected in Cork City and the EPA compositional data. This data is presented in Table 6.3 below.

Table 6.3. Commercial Waste Composition

6.2.5. Public Cleansing (Street Cleaning) and Litter Waste

Public cleansing and litter waste arises from the emptying of litter bins throughout the city, the picking of litter from streets, bring sites and other areas and the waste arising from suction sweeping and manual sweeping operations in the city (as described in section 5.2.3). All of the public cleansing and litter waste is collected by Cork City Council’s Waste Operations section and is landfilled at the Kinsale Road Landfill site. The quantity of waste arising from litter collection and street cleaning activities in 2003 and landfilled at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site was 4,156 tonnes. This is equal to approximately 80 tonnes per week or 0.03 tonnes (33.7 kg) per capita per annum.

The quantity of street cleaning waste reported in the EPA National Waste Database (2001) is 3,492 tonnes; however, Cork City Council is confident that the quantity landfilled in 2003 is the actual quantity arising as it is collected solely by Cork City Council.

It is worth noting that the quantity of this category of waste arising has decreased significantly during the period of the last Waste Management Plan (street cleaning waste was 6,000 tonnes per annum in 1997). This decrease can be attributed to the introduction of a wheeled bin system for refuse collection, the implementation of the Litter Management Plan, the employment of a Litter Warden Service for improved enforcement of litter regulations, improved public awareness of litter issues and an improved street cleaning regime.

6.2.6 Overall Quantities of Municipal Solid Waste Generated

Taking the figures detailed above for household waste (52,202 tonnes), commercial waste (59,023 tonnes) and public cleansing waste (4,156 tonnes), the total estimated quantity of Municipal Solid Waste generated in 2003 was 115,381 tonnes or 0.94 tonnes per person living in Cork City.

6.3. Industrial Waste Arisings

The Cork Region has successfully attracted the investment of a large number of industrial operators – both national and international in origin. Nearly all of the major industrial activity, however, is focused outside of the City Borough area. Cork City Council does not accept any industrial waste at the Kinsale Road Landfill Site.

The industrial waste arising within the city boundary is either treated on-site by the industry concerned or off-site by specialist waste contractors. Cork City Council therefore, does not have any data on the quantity of industrial waste arising in the city.

The best indication of industrial waste arisings in the city may be obtained from the EPA National Waste Database, 2001. The EPA data is derived from data received from IPC and non-IPC licensed companies which was scaled-up according to sectoral employee numbers.

Industrial waste is defined in the Waste Management Acts 1996 and 2001 as including waste produced or arising from manufacturing or industrial activities or processes. Industrial waste arisings are sub-divided into non hazardous waste and hazardous waste.

6.3.1 Non-hazardous Industrial Waste

The top ten reported non-hazardous industrial wastes in 2001 according to the EPA National Waste Database, 2001 are given in Table 6.4.

Table 6.4. Top ten non-hazardous industrial waste in Ireland (2001)

According to the EPA, a total of 438,403 tonnes of non-hazardous industrial waste of the types listed in Table 6.4. were produced in Cork City and County in 2001. For the purpose of this Plan and the Cork County Waste Management Plan, Cork City Council and Cork County Council have agreed that approximately 90% of the total industrial waste arisings for the region occur in the County while only 10% occur in the City. Therefore, the total nonhazardous industrial waste arisings for Cork City are 43,840 tonnes.

6.3.2 Hazardous Industrial Waste

The top ten reported hazardous industrial wastes in 2001 according to the EPA National Waste Database, 2001 are given in Table 6.5.

Table 6.5. Top ten hazardous industrial waste in Ireland (2001)

*MFSU = manufacture, formulation, supply and use

According to the EPA, a total of 115,347 tonnes of hazardous industrial waste of the types listed in Table 6.5 were produced in Cork City and County in 2001. It is estimated that at least 90% of this waste is produced in the Cork County area because of the high concentration of major chemical and pharmaceutical industry in the harbour area. Therefore, the quantity of hazardous industrial waste arising in Cork City is estimated to be approximately 11,534 tonnes.

6.4. Sludge Waste Production in Cork City

The types of sludge that arise in Cork City are waste water treatment sludge, water treatment sludge and sludges from industrial processes.

6.4.1. Wastewater Treatment Sludges

Over 90% of sewage effluent from Cork City is collected and transported via the Main Drainage Scheme to the wastewater treatment facility at Carrigrennan on Little Island. This facility was built by Cork City Council under a public private partnership arrangement (Design, Build and Operate) and is currently being commissioned (June 2004).

The treatment facility accepts sewage and trade effluent from Cork City and parts of Cork County. The plant is designed to accept a specified quantity and quality of effluent (including sewage and trade effluent) each day. The quantity of effluent accepted is 59,360m ³ per day (62% from Cork City and 38% from Cork County). The quality of effluent accepted is defined in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand (59 tonnes per day – 71% from city and 29% from county) and suspended solids (49 tonnes per day – 69% from city and 31% from county).

Domestic effluent accounts for 62% of the flow (36,803 m³ ), 44% of the Chemical Oxygen Demand (26 tonnes) and 52% of the suspended solids (25 tonnes) while the remainder is made up of trade/process effluent.

As mentioned earlier, the plant is currently being commissioned and is accepting a flow of approximately 49,000m ³ per day. The treatment facility results in the production of a dewatered sludge (dry matter content of >90%) and water. The water produced is discharged into the deep water channel in Cork Harbour while the dewatered sludge is landspread as a soil conditioner. It is expected that the plant will produce approximately 15t/day dewatered sludge when it is operating at full design capacity. At present, the sludge production is 8-9 tonnes per day.

6.4.2. Water Treatment Sludges

Cork City Council treats and supplies drinking water for Cork City from its waterworks at the Lee Road. All of the city’s requirements are met by abstraction points from the River Lee at the site of the waterworks and from three connections to the County Council drinking water supply. The water (approximately 45,000m ³ per day) is subjected to a standard rapid gravity filtration process at the plant (which is working at more-or-less its full capacity at present) and goes through the following treatment steps:

• Initial screening;
• Flocculation;
• Sedimentation;
• Filtration;
• pH correction with lime;
• Chlorination; and
• Fluoridation.

The sedimentation and filtration processes give rise to the production of approximately 4,500 cubic metres of residual sludge and filter washwater per day, which is subsequently discharged to the river.

The development of a new/upgraded waterworks at the same site is currently being planned. This new facility will incorporate a treatment process for the water treatment sludge (this sludge cannot be accepted for treatment at the wastewater treatment plant at Carrigrennan due to a planning condition).

6.4.3. Industrial Sludges

The EPA licence that has been granted to the Kinsale Road Landfill site allows the landfilling of non-hazardous industrial sludges under controlled conditions.

However, no industrial sludges have been presented for landfill at the site in the past year. It is thought that the sludges that were being landfilled at the site in the past are now either being treated on-site by the industry themselves or off-site by specialist waste contractors. In any case, the arisings of industrial sludges in the city are thought to be negligible as all of the sludges previously received at the landfill originated from industry located outside the City Borough boundary.

6.5. Construction and Demolition waste arisings

Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste includes new construction, repair and maintenance waste, excavated soil, demolition waste and dredging spoil.

Cork City Council accepted C&D waste for recycling at the Kinsale Road Landfill site during the period 1997-2002. The plant recycled approximately 200,000 tonnes of waste per annum during this time. The recycled material was then stockpiled for use in the conversion of the landfill to a public park. The facility is no longer in operation as the Council now has adequate material for the development of the park and there is no other market for the recycled material. The Council also operates a facility for the recycling of the timber element of C&D waste; this facility recycled approximately 3,700 tonnes of timber in 2003.

The Construction and Demolition Waste Council (NCDWC) was launched in 2002. Its objective is to facilitate the construction industry in meeting the target set in Changing our Ways (1998) of recycling at least 50% of C&D waste by 2003 with a progressive increase to at least 85% recycling by 2013.

The NCDWC (Annual Report 2002-2003) estimates the quantity of C&D waste arising in different regions of the country. It estimates the quantity of C&D waste generated in the south-west region (Cork & Kerry) to be 256,296 tonnes, this figure relates to new construction, repair and maintenance waste only. The quantity arising increases to 456,528 tonnes when the estimated quantities of excavated soil and demolition waste are added. Other studies (e.g. Bacon Report, 2001) estimate the C&D arisings for the Cork region alone to be approximately 500,000 tonnes per annum.

It is difficult to estimate the quantity of C&D waste arising in Cork City as the quantity arising varies enormously from year to year according to the scale and type of development taking place in the area. Cork City Council generally requires (through the planning process) that any new developments which involve demolition of old buildings, preferably crush and reuse the demolition waste on site or alternatively dispose of it to an approved facility.

For the purpose of this Plan, it is estimated that 500,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste arise in Cork City and County each year and it is assumed that approximately 200,000 tonnes of this total arises in Cork City.

6.6. Hazardous Wastes

Hazardous wastes are those containing materials that may present: