Ireland's waste management sector is in a transitional phase, moving relatively quickly from a primitive, one-dimensional approach dependent on landfill, to one which better reflects and gives effect to the waste hierarchy and the polluter pays principle. In 1997 the average cost of waste at landfill in Ireland was ?23 per tonne. In 2004 it had risen to approximately ?200 per tonne, including the landfill levy - a 770 percent increase in landfill gate fees in just seven years. The increase is due to the advent of waste licensing, EU legislation, improved construction requirements, engineered landfill, improved site resources, environmental monitoring, proper restoration, remediation and the aftercare of landfill facilities. This is reflected in collection charges, currently varying from ?300-550 per annum.
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