(1888PressRelease)
December 23, 2008 - Material collected at the Bottle Banks and Recycling Centres has increased from 3500 tonnes in 2004 to over 7000 tonnes in 2008.
Mr. Gerry Behan, Director of Services for the Environment Section, welcomed the considerable effort being made by the public, which he said had contributed to the success story.
He commented, “Over the past number of years, Limerick County Council has been improving recycling by promoting use of the new recycling centres, the network of bottle banks throughout the County and, of course, through the kerbside recycling collection which each waste collector has to provide. Indeed, the volume of domestic dry recyclables has doubled in the past 4 years. The national average for the collection of municipal dry recyclables is 36% - the equivalent figure for County Limerick is 50%.”
Mr. Behan expressed confidence that recycling activity would experience further growth in 2009 despite changes being implemented across the County regarding recycling centre opening hours and charges.
“In view of the current economic downturn, we regret that we now have to make some adjustments to our recycling arrangements beginning in January 2009,” he added.
Paper and plastic facilities were originally introduced on a trial basis at a limited number of County Limerick’s 48 Bring Banks to encourage recycling. This trial is being discontinued due to the introduction of a second bin for all households, rising maintenance costs and the opening of three new recycling centres which accept paper, plastics and many other materials. There is also a much higher level of unauthorised dumping at the sites which accept paper and plastics. All Bring Banks will remain available for the disposal of glass, aluminium cans and food tins.
Meanwhile, opening hours at two of the County Council’s four recycling centres are being reduced. The centre at Kilmallock will be open on Tuesday & Saturday from 10a.m. – 5p.m. The centre at Newcastle West will be open Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 5 pm. Behan added “We felt that it was vital to keep Saturday opening times for the public as about 50% of the total visits take place on Saturdays”. Elsewhere, the landfill site at Gortadroma is and will remain open to the public Monday to Friday from 8a.m - 3.30p.m, while Mungret Recycling Centre will continue to remain open Tuesday to Saturday from 10a.m. - 5p.m.
Mr. Behan noted that the current economic downturn and the subsequent pressures placed on public finances have deemed it necessary to also introduce a fee increase at recycling centres. New charges: Car: €5 (from €4), Car/Van & Trailer: €12 (from €10).
“Limerick County Council is committed to promoting and encouraging recycling activity throughout the County. The Council will continue to work with the people of County Limerick in that regard,” concluded Mr. Behan.
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