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The European Recycling Platform (ERP) last
week celebrated the fifth anniversary of the WEEE Directive
with the announcement that over 177,000 tonnes of electrical
waste has been collected in Ireland since the launch of
the Directive in 2005.
This is the equivalent in weight to over 2.9 million refrigerators
or over 8.3 million televisions. |
ERP
is Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for electrical
and electronic waste and waste battery recycling. Currently,
Ireland is outperforming its European partners in WEEE collection
per head, which stands at 9.1kg per person compared to the
target of 4kg set down by the EU.
ERP Ireland is pleased with the progress that has been made
in changing behavioural patterns of electrical and electronic
waste recycling in this country. Through its ongoing programme
of 'Be Free' Recycling Days, ERP continues to raise
awareness of the importance of recycling electronic goods
in a responsible manner, while making a positive contribution
to the environment.
Martin Tobin, General Manager of ERP Ireland said - “We are
really pleased with the progress that has been made in the
recycling of WEEE across Ireland and would urge people to
keep up the good work. Electronic waste is one of the fastest
growing waste streams in the EU today and, together, we have
an important role to play in reducing the amount of waste
going into landfill.”
Commenting at the WEEE Directive 5th Birthday Party, Duncan
Stewart, environmentalist, said - “I would like to congratulate
ERP and the general public on their outstanding commitment
to electronic recycling over the past 5 years, which has
resulted in the diversion 177,000 tonnes of waste from landfill.
"By providing 'Be Free' recycling days in local
areas, ERP provides a valuable service, making it convenient
for householders to recycle their electrical waste and I
would encourage the general public to continue to give them
your support.”
ERP has run its recycling day programme around Ireland
since 2008 and has seen an overwhelming response from all
of the counties involved. The ERP Recycling League
has seen County Kerry win in 2008 and County Monaghan in
2009. The competition is off to a flying start this year
and ERP look forward to seeing who will win this year’s
competition.
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