Galway could divert 75 per cent of waste away from landfill by 2013 without using thermal treatment or incineration, according to a draft alternative waste management plan published by the Galway Safe Waste Alliance.
The draft plan has been sent to the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, and has also been submitted to both Galway Corporation and Galway County Council. Its main objective is to meet Government recycling and diversion from landfill targets while minimising the effects on people and their environment.
It recommends the appointment of two environmental awareness officers in each authority; strong enforcement of packaging regulations at commercial and industrial level by the two local authorities; a move from flat waste charges to use-related charges; and inclusion of waste management as part of overall management in housing estates.
Two environmental awareness officers are already in place in Galway Corporation and Galway County Council.
The Galway Safe Waste Alliance comprises six organisations: Ballinasloe Against the Super-Dump, Clontuskert Anti-Incineration Group, Cross/New Inn Anti-Dump Committee, Galway for a Safe Environment, Ballinahistle/Kilrickle Anti-Dump Committee and Newbridge Action Committee.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail senator and Galway city councillor Ms Margaret Cox has called on Mr Dempsey to introduce a national package-free day - similar to the national car-free day - where people going into a supermarket or store would be encouraged to leave packaging behind. This would include plastic bags and unnecessary wrappings.