Implementation of the Regional information System on Waste is achieving “extraordinary success”
The Regional Director for the Environment considered on Faial on Monday that the implementation of the Regional Information System on Waste (SRIR) in the Azores is achieving “an extraordinary success.”
According to Frederico Cardigos, 492 waste producers enrolled in the SRIR in only three months, which corresponds to five times more than those who had adhered to the previous information system, which was carried out at a national level.
Speaking at a press conference to analyse the first months of implementation of the SRIR, the Regional Director for the Environment estimated that nearly one thousand waste producers are obliged to register in this new information system according to the Ordinance no.96/2009 of November 27.
In addition to the significant adherence to this system, where waste producers may register for free, Frederico Cardigos also emphasised that over 350 people have participated in 17 training actions and 3 information sessions which were carried out on various islands.
Created in late 2009, the SRIR is a strategic tool for the regional management of information in the context of waste planning, licensing, management, monitoring and regulation.
By implementing this system, the Government intends to gather all the information on waste production and management in the Azores, as well as on the entities operating in the sector in the Region, replacing the national counterpart (SIRER / SIRAPA).
“Put your waste online” (Ponha os seus resíduos online) is the challenge that was made to waste producers in the archipelago, who may individually access the database either by mail (mresí[email protected]) or by the website www.residuos-azores.org.
According to the legislation in force, the companies that produce waste, facilities subject to environmental licensing, waste management operators and urban waste management entities are subject to registration and information record in the SRIR.
Taking into account the latest Community guidelines on waste issues, the waste producers with access to the SRIR must draft and implement a Prevention and Waste Management Plan by July 2010.
The implementation of the SRIR as well as of the Prevention and Waste Management Plan will improve the monitoring of the lifecycle of the waste produced in the Azores, therefore enhancing the environmental quality of the Region.