Waste management is currently one of the biggest challenges facing Ireland. This report addresses a number of key issues from the perspective of business.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce last published a business waste management policy in 1997. This was set in the context of the emerging Dublin Regional Waste Plan, which was published in 1998. This plan was supported and endorsed by the Chamber, as it contained a strategy and an appropriate balance of measures to address the waste management problem.

This report reviews progress on waste management in the Dublin region and in a national context. It outlines the areas of progress and reviews the areas where progress has been behind target,. In that context, a number of policy issues are addressed from a business perspective.

Since the publication of the Dublin Regional Waste Plan, there have many positive developments progress across a number of fronts. Recycling rates are increasing, the Dublin Waste to Energy Thermal Treatment plant is making progress, and there is greater public awareness and acceptance that waste disposal must be paid for.

However, a number of worrying factors are still evident. The volume of waste coming from all sectors has increased substantially, the rate of development of necessary waste infrastructure is still slow and there is a wide gap to be bridged in the public communication of many waste management issues.

The report also provides information for business on current waste management issues, including clarification of the new regulations for hazardous waste, packaging and recycling. In addition, examples of waste management best practice from a number of business sectors are included.