| Landfill is an essential component of any integrated waste management solution. According to Table 3 of the 2006 National Waste Report 63.9% of Municipal waste was landfilled in 2006. In 1995 there were approximately 130 landfills but this number has steadily declined over the last 13 years to the current number of 30 landfills and more of these are due to close in the near future. Even when other waste management alternatives are developed there will always be a need for the safe disposal of residual waste, i.e., waste that cannot be re-used, recycled or recovered.
Previously, landfills were developed with no lining, which often resulted in contaminants escaping into the local environment causing environmental pollution. Modern landfill sites however, are designed and engineered according to the highest EU environmental standards. All landfill sites must obtain a waste licence from the EPA which outlines in detail development, management and operating conditions which must be adhered to. The licence also requires the licensee to carry out regular environmental monitoring e.g. groundwater/noise/air/odour/litter/vermin ensuring that all sites remain compliant.
Greenstar currently owns and operates four fully EPA licensed landfills - Kilcullen, Co.Kildare (KTK), Knockharley Landfill, Co. Meath, Connaught Regional Residual Landfill, Co. Galway and Ballynagran Landfill, Co. Wicklow. Greenstar also has full planning permission and an EPA Licence for a landfill facility in Usk, Co. Kildare.
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