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Mark Heesom
What are the key challenges to waste management in Ireland?
Ireland is a member of the EU and as such has to comply with the EU waste management directives. It has demonstrated a good track record in compliance with several Directives such as the WEEE Directive (one of the first member states to implement), and the more recent Batteries Directive.
However, our greatest challenge, as with all member states relying to a large extent on landfill, is achieving the diversion targets set for biodegradable wastes under the Landfill Directive.
Whilst it is generally accepted we will achieve the 2010 diversion target, subsequent targets will prove more challenging, primarily due to a lack of appropriate diversion infrastructure.
Clear definition and support for the delivery of this infrastructure is required, with prioritization required for the delivery of shorter lead time infrastructure such as MBT facilities, which also have some flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and demands.
Globalization of recycling is a hot topic within ISWA. To what extent is Ireland involved?
It is fair to say that regionally, Ireland is a smaller player within the global marketplace. Whilst we have had significant investment and some considerable innovation within the collection of household (municipal) recyclables, we lack significant indigenous recyclate processing infrastructure and capacity. This has resulted in dry recyclables being exported out of Ireland for processing.
Ireland has introduced pioneering legislation and management systems such as ‘pay by weight’ whereby householders pay waste management charges according to the volume of general waste they dispose of. This encourages diversion.
The majority of the country would operate a two-bin domestic collection system, with the recycling bin accepting single stream mixed dry recyclables. This has led to the development of large state of the art separation facilities, such as Greenstar’s facilities in Dublin and Cork which produce high quality recyclate for further processing. A lot of this success and recycling growth have been driven by industry innovation, as well as strong support from bodies such as REPAK, the Irish packaging compliance scheme. We recently saw the further development of the Government’s Market Development Programme for Waste Resources. One of its key tasks is developing markets for recyclables in Ireland thus stimulating the recycling industry.
How do you view the Irish waste management market today?
In my view the waste management market is fragmented but dynamic. New technologies for resource management are continuously being developed, and overall, there is much innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the industry.
Internationalization of waste markets will play an increasingly important role within the Irish waste sector. There is significant competition within the industry, which is positive and, driven by wider market and economic forces, I foresee consolidation and acquisition activity within the Irish market over coming years.
The result is a lessening of the mid-sized and some smaller companies. Moreover, as the industry gets more mature, you will notice more emphasis on quality of service, employee and management professionalism, and higher standards of training for the equipment operators. Overlay the current financial crisis and you will see attention to efficient business practices and other self-regulatory effects.
Waste management is a capital intensive industry. As a private company how do you look at this?
Since 1999, Greenstar has undergone significant growth to become Ireland’s leading waste management player, and has developed significant operations within both the USA and UK.
Within Ireland alone Greenstar has invested in excess of €310 million in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including three high-diversion high-capacity MRFs, four new residual waste landfills, several regional facilities, one of the most modern waste collection fleets in the country, and significant back office support capacity such as customer call centres and ERP systems.
The support and commitment of the group’s parent company (NTR Ltd), as well as the strong debt facilities available to the Group, reflect the opportunities within the industry to investors. However, it is essential for any investor to see a clear roadmap demonstrated for the return on this investment. Development by Government of clear unambiguous targets for the waste sector is essential not only to support its growth, but also the achievement of the previously mentioned Landfill Directive diversion targets, which themselves will require significant capital investment.
How do you see your time spent with professional associations to be playing a role in the higher standards of the industry?
The Institution offers members the opportunity to maintain and grow their professional knowledge, keep up to date with current industry trends, unrivalled opportunities for networking, as well the ability to gain recognition of their professionalism through the achievements of Chartered Waste Manager status.
Where do you see waste management in ten years time?
The general shift in attitude from waste management to resource management will become significantly more embedded, and with the emergence of new agendas such as carbon issues driving change, I foresee a more holistic approach developing.
Interviewer for the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA): Helena Bergman, ISWA Project Manager
e-mail: hb@iswa.dk
