Ireland vows to turn 'waste into jobs'

The Irish government has launched a new Market Development Programme aimed at reducing the amount of waste the country exports.

Speaking earlier this week, environment minister John Gormley said the government is targeting entrepreneurs, universities and waste organisations and inviting them to suggest ways in which the country's waste could be put to better use.

It is hoped the initiative will create thousands of new jobs and boost the market for waste materials such as glass, wood and plastic.

"Waste that we export often reappears back in Ireland, rejuvenated as valuable commodities that we all buy, like juice or milk cartons, fleece tops or the latest backpack schoolbag. We need to develop markets for these materials and add value here at home," Mr Gormley commented.

Ireland currently exports more than 1.5 million tonnes of recyclable waste every year, which could be reprocessed at home.

In related news, environmental organisation Waste Watch said earlier this week that a pay-as-you-throw scheme could be a big incentive for people in the UK to recycle their waste.