It is refreshing when a positive and environmentally friendly initiative is taken by a Government department. This is especially true when the Department of the Environment is involved because of the number of times it has been hauled before the European Court for failing to implement European Union directives on pollution and environment controls
But, credit where it is due, Dick Roche has done well by introducing regulations that will make it mandatory for the suppliers of white goods to accept and recycle old equipment.
From the middle of next month, the retailers of fridges, freezers, microwave ovens, computers and other white goods will be obliged to accept worn-out articles from customers when they are being replaced. And local authorities will establish recycling centres where old electrical equipment can be dumped free of charge. Hopefully, it will lead to a situation where prominent beauty spots are no longer despoiled by the illegal dumping of such material.
Of course it will cost money. The department estimates the cost at less than €15 million while industry sources talk of €40 million. And, predictably, some traders are less than enthusiastic about the development. In spite of that, Mr Roche insists the recycling initiative will not increase the price of goods for consumers but will be built into the cost of manufacturing. There may be a time-lag in that process because large manufacturing countries like Germany, France and the UK have delayed the introduction of the directive. Our record in the disposal of such material has been extremely poor. Less than a quarter of obsolete white goods here are recycled, with much of the remainder going into licensed landfills. As a Wicklow politician, Mr Roche is keenly aware of the problem of illegal dumping in isolated areas. That is one of the reasons why fines and penalties for breaches of the law are so severe. Even where material is separated for recycling, the great bulk of it has to be exported for final treatment. The next step by companies here should involve the construction of plants that will return maximum value from the recycling process.
A good start is vitally important in any initiative of this nature. So, when the regulations come into force on August 13th, the Minister must provide the Environment Protection Agency with sufficient manpower and resources to police the new regime. The monitoring of sales by his department must also be efficient and transparent in order to avoid friction with retailers. This is a welcome initiative. It would be a shame to see it damaged by a lack of official enthusiasm.