Irish Waste Hierarchy

The waste hierarchy is a useful framework that has become a cornerstone of Irish waste management. It sets out the order in which options for refuse management should be considered based on environmental impact.

Prevention and re-use are the most desirable options for managing waste. The overall intent of the hierarchy is to highlight the different levels and to one day move waste management away from landfill into those options in the upper tiers.

Reduce, reuse and recycle are the most important parts of the system.

The Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government launched its Race Against Waste campaign in October 2003. Designed to give advice and support, a phoneline (1890 667 639) was set up to deal with waste managment queries. Questions about all aspects of waste handling could be answered; such as how to compost, how to reduce waste, what, how and where to recycle as well as information about landfill and incineration. The Department also launched a lenghty advertising campaign.

The diagram below illustrates the pyramid theory designed to give order to dealing with the multiples of waste produced. The options towards the top are the most desirable for dealing with our waste, as they harm the planet least. As you travel down the pyramid, the alternatives become less attractive from an environmental point of view.