A feasibility study to explore sustainable management of agricultural green waste in Ireland

A feasibility study to explore the sustainable management of agricultural green waste in IrelandIn November 2022, the Irish Bioenergy Association on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine developed a feasibility study to explore the sustainable management of agriculture green waste in Ireland. This report outlines many alternatives to burning which farmers could utilise.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed in early 2023, that the practice of burning cut agricultural green wastes ends on the 30th of November 2023. Farmers must consider alternatives to burning for this material after this date. This applies to farmers who generate agricultural green waste through:

• Management of hedgerows
• Land clearance and maintenance activities
• Wind fall material
• Pest-infected and diseased material requiring management

This does not apply to the burning of standing, growing material, e.g., gorse and briars / brambles.
The purpose of this report is to explore, gather and consider the feasibility of sustainable alternatives to the burning of this cut agricultural green waste. The purpose of this report is not to carry out detailed life-cycle analysis (LCA) of any of the alternatives that may be possible in Ireland, although it has drawn on information or data that is available and relevant to the alternatives considered by it.
View the full report HERE