Every person in the State is generating half a tonne of waste a year. Between 1984 and 1995 there was 62 per cent increase in household and commercial waste.
These statistics indicate waste is "one of the most problematic areas of modern environmental management in Ireland".
Irish waste-management practice continues to be heavily reliant on landfill despite the accepted principle that disposal to land is one of the least desirable options.
The bulk of household and commercial waste - 92 per cent - is consigned to landfill, compared to 66 per cent on average in western European countries. Rates of recycling in Ireland are also low compared to most EU countries.
The EPA calls for "an adequate national infrastructure for modern waste management" to ensure that ambitious national targets are met. It also warns that the management of hazardous waste is of growing concern worldwide.
Within Ireland, it highlights the risks from large amounts of hazardous waste which are "unreported". During 1996, some 98,000 tonnes of hazardous waste were unaccounted for, mainly agricultural, municipal and various product wastes.