Market Development Group for Waste Resources
The UK was the leading destination market for Irish recyclable waste streams accounting for 39% of the exported materials. The growth of the Asian and Chinese recycling markets are also evident in the report, with at least 25% of Ireland’s recyclable paper and cardboard exported to these destinations.
The growth in dependency on foreign markets and on less developed countries for recycling capacity is of concern increasing Ireland’s vulnerability to economic cycles in the marketplace.
Also from an environmental and ethical stance can we continue to transport materials to far-flung Asian markets?
The solution for Ireland is to try and develop indigenous markets for waste streams, particularly paper, cardboard, plastics and organics, which can be supported and sustained by the recycled quantities now generated nationally.