€5m glass recycling plant to reduce export of rubbish

EFFORTS to reduce the export of tonnes of rubbish abroad were given a boost yesterday with the opening of a €5 million glass recycling plant.

The Kildare-based factory will take up to half of the country’s recycled glass annually and has a capacity to handle up to 50,000 tonnes.

Opening the Glassco recycling plant yesterday, Environment Minister John Gormley said it would help reduce Ireland’s climate change obligations.

When the plant is fully operational, it will save more than 15,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions by reducing waste and the transport of used glass, including to other countries.

Changing attitudes were evident among Irish consumers, said the Green Party leader yesterday.

“The enthusiasm with which the Irish people have taken to recycling is nothing short of astonishing. Indeed, it has to be said that the culture of recycling is now firmly embedded in the Irish psyche.”

According to the plant’s management, recycling a glass bottle saves enough energy to power a 100W light bulb for up to an hour.

Friends of the Irish Environment said despite the plant’s opening, Ireland’s record of recycling domestic waste was deplorable. Just 19.5% of domestic waste is recycled annually.

The group’s director, Tony Lowes, said: “It’s not enough. We are so far behind other European countries.”

Meanwhile, Ireland looks set to cut out gas guzzling cars among its foreign fleet of diplomatic vehicles.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern revealed his office was looking at buying ‘greener’ cars for Ireland’s ambassadors and consuls abroad. Ireland has 76 embassies and consulates abroad meaning hundreds of cars could be changed to cut back on emissions.

The minister himself recently installed solar panels and a wood pellet stove at his home, near Dundalk. He said with the growing number of hybrid and more ecologically friendly vehicles available, a review was needed of the pool of vehicles used by diplomatic staff.

“I have asked my officials to report back to me on how best we can adopt a more environmentally friendly purchasing policy, particularly for our embassies and missions abroad.”

He added: “Most of these vehicles are replaced every four years so my hope would be that in the coming years we will witness the greening of our official fleet of vehicles.”