Israel Ministry of the Enviromental Protection - News

Israel's Courts Impose Stiff Fines on Polluters in the Beginning of 2010

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jan 2010 saw the imposition of stiff fines on polluters of all types in Israel:

Avco Chemical Ltd. and its managers were fined a total of 1.1 million shekels (nearly $300,000) for improper treatment and storage of hazardous chemicals.
Peretz Sewage Services and its employees were fined 228,000 shekels (more than $60,000) for discharging gas station wastewater to the public sewage system.
The Municipality of Herzliya was fined 140,000 shekels (nearly $38,000) for the discharge of sewage from land-based sources to the sea.

1.1 Million Shekel Fine to Avco Chemicals

On Jan 3, 2010, the Jerusalem Magistrates Court fined Avco Chemicals 800,000 shekels for improper treatment and storage of the hazardous materials in its use. The company operates a plant in the Beit Shemesh area for the production and trade of chemicals and pigment colors for the textile industry. In addition to the fine, the company was obligated to sign a 600,000 shekel commitment to refrain from similar offenses for three years and the court activated a previous commitment for 320,000 shekels as an overlapping fine.

A 200,000 shekel fine or 20 months imprisonment in lieu of the fine were imposed by the court on the manager and chief chemist of the plant, in addition to a financial commitment, for the same sum, to refrain from similar offenses for three years. A third defendant, the manager of the plant was fined 100,000 shekels or 10 months of imprisonment and was obligated to sign a commitment in the same sum. The defendants were found guilty of violating the conditions of their hazardous material permit (poisons permit) under aggravating circumstances and of non-compliance with the obligation of an office holder in a corporation to do everything possible to prevent offenses, including offenses under the Hazardous Substances Law, 1968 and the Business Licensing Law.

228,000 Shekel Fine to a Sewage Services Company

On Jan 7, 2010, the Herzliya Magistrates Court convicted a Nes Ziona sewage services company (Peretz Sewage Services), its manager and the drivers and operators of the sewage collection vehicles who were employed by the company of discharging the wastewater collected in gas stations throughout the country to the public sewage system in 2005 - 2006. The company pumps gas station wastewater and transports it.

The company and its employees were charged with offenses under the Water Law, 1959, the Water Regulations (Prevention of Water Pollution) (Cesspools and Septic Tanks), 1992, Water Regulations (Prevention of Water Pollution) (Metals and other Pollutants), 2000 and the Business Licensing Law, 1968.

The defendants were fined a total of 228,000 shekels (120,000 shekel fine to the company, 80,000 shekels or four months imprisonment in lieu of the fine to the manager, and 7,000 shekels to each of the four drivers or a month's imprisonment in lieu of the fine). The defendants were also required to sign financial commitments to refrain from these offenses for a three year period, as follows: 240,000 shekel commitment by the company, 160,000 shekel commitment by the manager and 30,000 shekel commitments by each of the four other defendants.

140,000 Shekel Fine to the Municipality of Herzliya

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court convicted the Herzliya Municipality of discharging sewage from a land-based source to the sea in contravention to its discharge permit, an offense under the Prevention of Sea Pollution from Land-Based Sources Law, 1988 and the Water Law, 1959. In addition to a 140,000 shekel fine, the municipality was required to sign a 50,000 shekel commitment to refrain from offenses under the Water Law and a 100,000 shekel commitment to refrain from offenses under the Land-Based Sources Law.

The offenses occurred in 2003, when the pipeline which transports effluents from the wastewater treatment plan to the sea was damaged during drilling operations by a cellular company during the process of laying underground transmission lines. During the repairs, effluents were discharged directly to open drainage channels and from there to the sea and coast. As a result, Herzliya's bathing beaches were closed for three days in Jul 2003.

Criminal Law Enforcement in 2009

The most recent annual report of the Legal Division of Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection shows the following for 2009:

The Legal Division handled 462 criminal cases
98 new investigation were received by the Division in 2009
94 indictments were filed
Outcomes of criminal enforcement showed 53 convictions or sentences of guilty without conviction and only two acquittals in the court of first instance.
In ten appeals presented by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and by defendants, the appeals court accepted the State's position in seven instances and the defendants' positions in three instances.

Environmental Protection Minister Presents his Position on Renewable Energy and Recycling to National Planning and Building Board

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Minister Erdan: "The switch to renewable energy calls for choosing among environmental interests, but based on a recognition that this is a national mission, my position is to promote these energies which will significantly minimize air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

On Jan 5, 2010, Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan presented his position to the National Planning and Building Board on two subjects which are highest on the priority list of the Ministry of Environmental Protection:

Promotion of renewable energy, as part of Israel's overall preparations for reducing air pollution and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Promotion of recycling by means of an amendment to the National Master Plan for Waste Treatment.

Promotion of Renewable Energy
In his statement to the National Planning and Building Board, Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan declared: "The State of Israel will not be able to comply with its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as declared in the Copenhagen Conference, without promoting the developing of solar energy as a national project." According to the Minister, a switch to electricity generation based on renewable energy is a primary phase in Israel's preparations for combating climate change and reducing air pollution. He added that the switch to renewable energy must come in parallel to the promotion of electricity savings and reduced electricity demand. He called on members of the National Board to adopt a planning policy which would increase market certainty and incentivize renewable energy initiatives.

Among the main points of such a policy:

Promotion of a national master plan for photovoltaic facilities, while at the same time establishing transitional instructions to facilitate the advancement of plans within the framework of regional planning agencies until such time that the master plan is approved.
Immediate establishment of a subcommittee of the southern regional planning committee to facilitate and speed up the advancement of plans.
Recognition of solar facilities as engineering facilities rather than as power plants in order to simplify the planning process and exempt small and medium size facilities from the obligation to prepare environmental impact assessments, while obliging them to prepare alternative environmental documents in parallel to the promotion of projects.
Giving preference in the planning process to rooftop solar facilities and facilitating speedy approval in local planning committees through the amendment of regulations.

Promotion of Recycling

An amendment to Israel's National Master Plan for Solid Waste Disposal is currently in discussion in the National Planning and Building Board. The amendment introduces new statutory provisions to the 1989 master plan, which are meant to implement the Solid Waste Management Master Plan which was adopted by the National Board in 2006. The master plan formulated a long-term management policy, aimed at accelerating the transition from solid waste landfilling to recycling in order to reduce adverse impacts on the environment and on nature. Alternative means of recycling and recovery include: reduction of waste at source, composting, anaerobic digestion and, in the future, thermal treatment. Landfilling, currently the primary treatment method, will become the last alternative in the hierarchy of treatment methods.

In his statement to the National Board, the Minister of Environmental Protection noted that the amendment to the National Master Plan for Solid Waste Disposal constitutes a central step in Israel's recycling revolution and in the transformation of waste from nuisance to resource. "The amendment to the master plan, which is on the agenda today," he said, "is meant to facilitate the establishment of waste recycling plants, which are of top importance in providing solutions other than landfilling to waste and its recycling. The existing old master plan no longer responds to the needs of the present and makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to establish recycling plants. The National Board should approve the amendment to the master plan, thus allowing for the approval of recycling and separation of waste facilities in local planning committees, based on a faster planning procedure."

Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Meets with OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Israel's Environmental Protection Minister: Compliance with advanced environmental conditions is a prerequisite for Israel's accession to the OECD. Compliance with this environmental threshold will constitute a new economic growth engine for the economy, expected to provide thousands of new places of work and to significantly improve quality of life in >>Israel.

Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan and Director General Dr. Yossi Inbar met OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria and OECD Director for Legal Affairs, Nicola Bonucci on Jan 19, 2010, within the framework of their official visit to Israel.

In the meeting, OECD's Secretary General commended Israel for the significant progress made in consolidating its climate change policy, and especially its declared intention to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by the year 2020 compared to the business as usual scenario. On his part, Minister Erdan related to the environmental challenges facing Israel in achieving the target. Mr. Gurria responded that in light of the international recognition of the importance of this subject, the OECD expects and is sure that the targets will be achieved through an overall effort on the part of all relevant government ministries in such fields as accelerated energy efficiency and investments in renewable energy.

In their meeting, the Secretary-General welcomed Israel's decision to prepare its first Environmental Performance Review, which will examine Israel's environmental performance and the effectiveness of its policy tools. The Review is expected to include recommendations on the expanded use of economic policy tools. Mr. Gurria offered the assistance of the OECD in helping to integrate the Organization's principles into Israel's reality.

In relating to the fact that about a third of the OECD's legal instruments relate to the environment, Minister Erdan stated that "membership in the OECD will call for the cooperation of all relevant government ministries. It will obligate the integration of environmental considerations in the decision making processes of government ministries, will bring about a significant improvement in the quality of life of Israel's residents and will enable economic growth in this developing field." Secretary-General Gurria emphasized the foundation stone of the OECD's economic policy, namely "Green Growth," which is based on a deep-seated change which must find expression in government policy, as a whole, and not only in the policy of environment ministries.

Environmental Protection Minister Erdan noted the wide involvement of the ministry's staffers in the activities of OECD committees and work groups on the environment.. In 2009, ministerial representatives took part in some 20 meetings, which not only helped facilitate the integration of advanced environmental standards and norms in the ministry's work, but also allowed Israel to contribute of its own experience and expertise to the OECD. In 2009, Israel successfully completed three accession reviews in the OECD Committees on environmental policy, chemicals and waste management as part of its accession process to the Organization, which should be completed during the course of 2010.

National Cost Estimate of Surveying and Remediating Contaminated Lands to Begin in Israel

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has released the name of the winner of a tender for assessing the national costs of surveying and remediating contaminated land - LDD Advanced Technologies. The company is one of Israel's leading companies in the area of surveying and remediating contaminated soils.

Within the framework of the tender, which will be financed by the Ministry of Finance, the scope of contaminated lands in Israel will be assessed, characterization of different pollutants in the soil will be undertaken and the cost of surveying and remediating all contaminated lands in Israel will be estimated. The tender will play a major part in the advancement of the draft Contaminated Lands Law , which was published by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and distributed for comment in Dec 2008. In addition, it will assist, inter alia, in formulating a national priority list for treating contaminated land in Israel.

Contaminated Lands in Israel

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has compiled information on about 1250 sites in Israel which are contaminated by fuel, oils, metals and chloro-organic compounds. Most of these pollutants are hazardous to human health and to the environment and others are known or suspected carcinogens. At the same time, based on its experience and on knowledge accumulated worldwide, the Ministry estimates that thousands more sites are contaminated in Israel. Without proper environmental treatment, the public may be exposed to these pollutants by such means as inhalation of soil gases, skin contact with the soil and swallowing, either directly or indirectly, and inhalation of particles of contaminated land. Additionally, soil pollution is hazardous to the environment, flora and fauna.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection, along with the Ministries of Finance, Justice and other relevant bodies, is currently advancing a draft law on the Prevention of Soil Contamination and Treatment of Contaminating Lands. In order to assess the scope of the problem in Israel, to promote the draft law and to prepare for its implementation, additional information which will serve government ministries must be gathered. Such information will assist, inter alia, in decision making on national priorities for the remediation of contaminated sites in Israel and in estimating the necessary budget for remediation.

In order to compile the necessary data, the Ministry of Environmental Protection published a tender in 2009, with the following requirements:

Conducting spatial historic surveys at a national level and focused historic surveys for select sites.
Determining the ownership of the land in areas in which land contamination is suspected and assessing the owners'/holders' responsibility for the pollution.
Assessing the costs of land/soil gas surveys and land remediation, including the sites designated in the spatial historic survey.
Detailed assessment for each site for which a focused historic survey was conducted.
Economic assessment - assessment of changes in the land value, differences in real estate values for non-treated contaminated land and treated contaminated land, including land designation aspects.
Reviewing additional aspects of contaminated land assessment and their economic implications.

Israel Approves Stringent Regulations on Effluent Quality

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Jan 25, 2010, after a lengthy process which extended nearly ten years, the Interior and Environmental Protection Committee of the Knesset (Israel parliament) approved stringent regulations on effluent quality. The new Public Health Regulations (Effluent Quality Standards), 2010, popularly known as the Inbar regulations, obligate both producers of wastewater and operators of wastewater treatment plants to treat their wastewater to the levels set in the regulations. Additional obligations relate to monitoring and control, reporting, and publication of information to the public.

Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan has stated that approval of the effluent regulations will significantly improve the quality of Israel's water sources and rivers and will reduce soil pollution, while protecting public health.

The aim of the regulations, submitted by the Minister of Environmental Protection and the Minister of Health, is to protect public health and prevent pollution of water sources by wastewater and effluents, which currently constitute half of Israel's water supply for irrigation.

According to Minister Erdan, "these regulations position Israel on par with other developed countries when it comes to stringent environmental protection standards which focus on the prevention of water source pollution. The new regulations will allow for the reuse of effluents as a water source while at the same time improving public health and better protecting the environment, including ecosystems and biodiversity."

The basis for the values set in the regulations was determined by a professional professional interministerial committee, known as the Inbar Committee (headed by Dr. Yossi Inbar, currently the Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection). The committee was established in the wake of a government decision, taken in Jul 2000, which called on the Minister of Environmental Protection to set up an interministerial committee to recommend effluent quality standards, which would internalize externalities, while assuring economic feasibility.

The regulations, which are based on the committee's recommendations, establish an unprecedented number of parameters for effluent quality - 37 as opposed to only two parameters previously, and set maximum permissible levels for each of them. Special attention is placed on public transparency including the obligation to report and publish the results of effluent testing.

The regulations impose the following obligations, among others, on producers of wastewater and operators of wastewater treatment facilities:

Treating wastewater according to the stringent values set in the regulations.
Preparing monitoring and control plans for the wastewater.
Sampling the effluents exiting the wastewater treatment plants.
Recording the results of the tests conducted.

Pilot of a Greenhouse Gas Registry to Begin in Israel in 2010

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has drafted a protocol for registering and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of companies and organizations in Israel. The protocol was prepared together with researchers of the Samuel Neaman Institute for Advanced Studies in Science and Technology in the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. The system is intended to develop capabilities and tools for use by the private sector in calculating GHG emissions and to help industries and organizations estimate their reduction potential. A pilot of the program will be launched in 2010.

According to Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan: "Experience worldwide demonstrates that the very process of measuring and reporting helps identify the emissions reduction potential and results in greater energy efficiency in plants. Therefore, we have also begun to implement this in Israel by means of a registry system that will serve the Ministry and other stakeholders as a professional-management tool when relating to GHG emissions of different sectors (industrial plants, power plants, local authorities, etc.). The registry will serve as a basis for a GHG inventory in Israel and will contribute to the Ministry's preparedness to implement existing and future legislation in the field, including the Clean Air Law.

The first phase of the joint project was concluded with the preparation of a detailed document, including a protocol and reporting guidelines, for the registry system. Dr. Ofira Ayalon, who heads the project, notes that in line with the transparency of the process, "it is of utmost importance to allow other bodies to study the document and react to it in order to create a logical system that will be acceptable to companies." According to Dr. Ayalon, "the protocol was developed in consultation and cooperation with leading bodies in Israel's economy including: Nesher Israel Cement Enterprises Ltd., Israel Electric Corporation., Manufacturers Association of Israel, Israel Institute of Energy and Environment, public transportation companies (Egged and Dan), Israel Union for Environmental Defense, Forum 15 (Israel's major cities), Central Bureau of Statistics, Israel Defense Forces, Ministry of National Infrastructure and Ministry of Agriculture."

Why a GHG Registry for Israel?

In the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference which took place in Dec 2009, President Shimon Peres declared that Israel will do its best to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 20% until 2020, in comparison to a "business as usual" scenario. To achieve this target, Israel will have to develop a national program which will include mitigation measures.

The voluntary national system for GHG emissions accounting and reporting will respond to a number of needs:

For the government: The reported data will serve as a tool to better understand emission sources and their reduction potential within the framework of developing new policy measures.
For the reporting bodies: Participation in the reporting process will serve as a learning tool for quantifying GHG emissions and internalizing procedures for increasing efficiency and minimizing emissions.
For the public: The dissemination of relevant information through public reporting will bring about better understanding of the subject and will deepen awareness and commitment on a personal level.

Drafting of the Registry System

The procedures and methods for Israel's registry system were planned by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and researchers at the S. Neaman Institute in cooperation with a wide circle of stakeholders. The aim of the team was to develop an operational protocol along with guidelines for reporting which would assist organizations and industrial plants in Israel in the registry and reporting process. During the planning and drafting process, special attention was focused on the needs of different bodies, on constraints and on adaptation of protocols in similar sectors worldwide to Israel's reality. The system is meant to encourage balanced and verified reporting which complies with international standards. While the system is based on the principle of voluntary participation by commercial and public bodies, in joining the system, these bodies in fact commit themselves to adopting the methodologies included in the protocol and to acting according to the reporting guidelines.

Operational Protocol and Guidelines for Reporting

The protocol provides a starting point for companies in the process of identifying, quantifying and reporting their GHG emissions, which are a reflection of their scope of activity. The quantification methods presented in the report are expected to allow for the creation of a clear and consensual base for calculating future emissions reductions.

The document itself is comprised of eight chapters: introduction, reporting systems worldwide and in Israel, structure of the registry and reporting system, guidelines for calculating the emissions characteristic of all the sectors, guidelines for calculating the emissions in different sectors, summary and reporting of the emissions inventory, quality management and data registry, and guidelines for implementing the reporting system in Israel.

The recommended quantification methods are based on information at the disposal of the reporting company or body and do not require monitoring of GHG emissions. For example, the data required for direct emissions from fuel combustion relates to the quantity of the different fuels consumed by the company annually and the emission factor for each of the fuels. The data required for indirect emissions due to electricity consumption relates to the quantity of electricity consumed and the appropriate emission factor which is generally provided by the Israel Electric Corporation or by a private electricity producer.

The document concludes with appendices made up of detailed tables of the emission factors required for emissions calculations. In addition, general guidelines on greenhouse gases which may be found in different economic sectors are provided. Tag listings allow for follow up of the data necessary to complete the emissions inventory and its preparation for reporting and registry. Examples of calculation methods and different considerations are also included to ease implementation.

Why Join the Registry System?

As awareness about the risks of climate change rises and global limits are increasingly set on GHG emissions, organizations and companies are beginning to recognize the commercial and reputational advantages of registering and following up on GHG emissions and regularly reporting to the authorities.

The main advantages of joining voluntary reporting systems include:

Managing business risks which may arise from GHG emissions and identifying opportunities for reductions.
Improving the sustainability and community commitment image through transparency and public reporting.
Improving knowledge of emission quantification methods in preparation for mandatory reporting and reduction systems.
Improving the ability to take part in future GHG emissions trading.

The draft protocol is available for public scrutiny and feedback on the Hebrew website of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Comments to the draft may be forwarded to Tal Goldrat: tal@sni.technion.ac.il

Environmental Protection Minister Addresses the Herzliya Conference on Green Economy and Cleantech

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In his speech to the Tenth Herzliya Conference, held in Israel on Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2010, Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan highlighted three main areas in which Israel's expertise could be translated into global leadership:

The eco-industries market, including the provision of clean technologies, waste management, water management, renewable energy, green building and others.
The information technologies market with an emphasis on energy efficiency and resource savings.
The provision of technological solutions to climate change adaptation.

"The search for environmental solutions to such problems as water scarcity and contamination, air pollution, global warming, growing quantities of hazardous and municipal waste can create new economic opportunities and open new markets for environmental products and services," said Minister Erdan in his address. He then went on to illustrate Israel's ability to capitalize on its technological innovations as a major level for economic growth.

In relating to the eco-industries market, Minister Erdan said: "This market is growing at a rapid pace and provides for many green jobs. Israel is already recognized as a leader in key pillars of the eco-industry market, namely in water management and renewable energy. Israel has already made major inroads in the field of solar energy, both on the local level through the development of rooftop solar collectors and photo-voltaic systems and on a national level through the proposed construction of solar power plants in Israel?s Negev desert."

With regard to the information technology market (IT), he said: "The environmental information technology market presents opportunities in several areas relating to energy and resource efficiency. One example is IT for smart grid technologies for electricity transmission and distribution, as well as new business models such as the one proposed by Better Place."

When referring to technologies for adaptation to climate change, he said: "Based on our accumulated experience with limited water resources, intense solar radiation and high temperatures, Israel can well contribute technological solutions for climate adaptation. Today we are ready to serve as a regional laboratory and center of excellence to prepare for and adapt to changing climatic conditions."

Environmental Protection Minister Erdan concluded with the following observations: "We, at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, are convinced that economic progress and environmental protection are closely linked. We are certain that the development and implementation of environmental technologies is a "win-win" situation: it will catalyze the development of an industry with significant export potential, it will ensure a cleaner environment in Israel and quality of life to its residents, and it will promote regional and international cooperation for the improvement of the environment.

In order to enhance processes that lead to the creation of new markets and a greener economy, we are using a basket of policy tools: setting measurable targets in such areas as renewable energy, energy conservation and recycling, enacting and enforcing laws, promoting green procurement by government, and promoting public awareness, environmental education and a sustainable lifestyle.

Our target of 20% reduction in emissions from the business as usual scenario by 2020 was presented by our President in Copenhagen and is currently in the process of a government decision. This 20% by 2020 target would require a long list of drastic steps in many areas, including electricity generation.

It is my hope and my intention to promote a green revolution in the Israeli economy, through partnership between the private sector and government. We must provide industry with the necessary incentives to develop new technologies that will help Israel take a leading role in meeting the environmental challenges ahead. Today, investments in technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize and recycle waste, treat effluents, manage water wisely are no longer options. They are necessities, both strategically and economically. And what's especially important is that the benefits are sure to outweigh the costs in the form of a healthier environment, a better quality of life, sustainable economic growth and employment based on a green economy."

Environmental Protection Minister Erdan Affirms Israel's Intention to Reduce its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 20% by 2020

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In a letter to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mr. Yvo de Boer, Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan reaffirms Israel's commitment to the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol and informs the UN that "the Government of Israel wishes to associate itself with the Copenhagen Accord, and to request that Israel's name be included in the chapeau to the Accord."

Furthermore the Minister reaffirms the government's intention to do its utmost to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to a business as usual scenario. The goal will be achieved through the implementation of two government decisions: one calling for a 10% share of renewable energy in electricity generation and the other calling for a 20% reduction in electricity consumption.

Israel's Knesset Approves Deposit Law for Beverage Containers - Hundreds of Millions More Beverage Containers will be Collected and Recycled Yearly

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Feb 2, 2010, Israel's Knesset (parliament) approved the new Deposit Law for Beverage Containers which was initiated by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The law requires the collection of hundreds of millions of large beverage containers and tens of millions of small containers every year. Shops and supermarket chains that refuse to accept the bottles for recycling are liable to a 1,800 shekel fine per refusal.

Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan: "The new Deposit Law sends a real message to Israel's residents and finally responds to the public's demand for an accessible infrastructure that will facilitate recycling, as is the case in Western countries. The new law provides for the recycling of hundreds of millions more plastic bottles every year, rather than allowing them to accumulate on roads and nature sites or take up precious space in landfills. There is an enormous gap today between Israel and developed countries in the manner of treating this waste. This law, along with the Packaging Law that we are now promoting, heralds a revolution in the way Israel treats its waste and will position Israel on par with the global trend."

Following are the main changes to the Deposit Law:

Imposing direct responsibility for collection on producers and importers: this will facilitate compliance with more ambitious collection targets, while the cost of bottle collection will be imposed on manufacturers alone. The imposition of direct responsibility on manufacturers will sever the link between the income of the Recycling Corporation and the collection targets, and will transfer the costs of financing from consumers to producers.
Obligating collection and recycling of all beverage containers, including large containers: the law will apply to 740 million additional beverage containers. At least 50% of the large bottles, which do not currently require collection and recycling (some 390 million large bottles per year) will be collected, and the target for the collection of small beverage containers will be set at 77%, an 11% increase in the percentage of bottles currently collected. This translates into 490 small containers each year, compared to 420 million today ? an increase of 70 million small containers per year
Significant increase in the distribution of bottle collection bins throughout Israel: manufacturers and importers will be required to place and operate 20,000 collection bins throughout Israel (compared to 8,000 today) at a cost of tens of millions of shekels every year. One bottle collection bin will serve 400 residents as opposed to 1,500 residents today.
Widening the obligation to receive empty containers at sales points: the law will oblige marketing chains to receive up to 50 containers per person every day, whereas today, some shops refuse to accept such containers. The new law establishes compensation of up to 1800 shekels for anyone denied the ability to return a bottle.
Canceling the possibility for reducing annual recycling targets: the law will prevent the possibility to reduce collection targets, as is the case today when the Recycling Corporation presents an application for retroactive exemption from compliance with annual recycling targets. The new law sets realistic collection and recycling targets. Non-compliance will lead to direct fines on manufacturers.

Letter of Intent on Cooperation on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development between the Minister of the Environment of Israel and Italy

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Gilad Erdan and Italian Minister for the Environment, Land and Sea Stefania Prestigiacomo signed a letter of intent on cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development on Feb 2, 2010.

Minister Erdan met with the Italian Minister Prestigiacomo during her visit to Israel as part of a delegation of nine ministers, headed by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The meeting between the ministers took part within the framework of the Italy-Israel intergovernmental consultation forum.

During the meeting, the two ministers signed a letter of intent to cooperate on environmental protection and sustainable development. Among the subjects for cooperation:

Research and development on environmental technologies, including renewable energies, water desalination, sustainable transportation, water resources management
Mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Combating desertification.

It was also decided that the two sides will form a joint committee, headed by the directors general of the ministries, to identify projects and programs for joint funding. The parties declared their intention to arrange for the provision of two million Euros each during 2010 - 2011.

Within the framework of a joint meeting of the Israeli and Italian government ministers, Minister Erdan presented the declaration of intent signed between the two countries. He said that economic development and environmental protection go hand in hand and that investments in the development of environmental technologies for greenhouse gas mitigation, for reduction of waste and for management of water resources are an imperative. Such investments do not only bring efficient solutions to environmental problems but can serve as a lever for economic growth and employment ("green growth").

Minister Erdan also noted that as a result of the semi-arid climate that characterizes much of the country, Israel has accumulated expertise in areas such as combating desertification, efficient use of water in agriculture, water desalination and renewable energy. Therefore, Israel can and must contribute to regional and global cooperation on the development of environmental technologies.

In light of Israel's experience, the Ministry of Environmental Protection is examining the best way to establish a center of knowledge on adaptation to climate change and is interested in promoting its cooperation with Italy in this field as well. Based on the successful cooperation with Italy in the past, a unification of forces on this subject can bring about welcome results in the future. The letter of intent between the two ministers marks an important first step in this direction.

National Pesticide Waste Collection Campaign Continues in 2010

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has launched its new pesticide waste collection campaign in the agricultural sector, in continuation of last year's campaign. In 2009, the Ministry, in coordination with the Poisons Monitoring Unit of the Nature and Parks Authority, initiated an experimental campaign for the collection of pesticide waste in which some 20 tons of hazardous waste were collected from two regions in Israel.

Pesticide waste is known to accumulate in the agricultural sector. This waste is made up of pesticide and chemical residues, most of which constitute expired pesticide in defective and often unmarked containers, which, if haphazardly discarded, may threaten to harm human beings, cause groundwater and soil pollution and lead to hazardous substances events as a result of leaks and/or fires. It may also cause food chain poisoning, hurt wildlife and even cause their death. In many instances, damage is not immediate and may only be manifested after many years. For example, slow infiltration of pesticides to groundwater or cumulative damage to farmers residing in the vicinity of defective, open or leaking pesticide containers, who are exposed to pesticides over prolonged period.

As part of the campaign, the Ministry is collecting pesticide waste, including pesticide residues, expired pesticides, spilled pesticides and pesticides in defective containers. Pesticide waste may adversely impact people, contaminate the soil and water sources, cause accidents and lead to the death of animals, and at times, to food chain poisoning. The 2010 campaign continues last year's campaign for the purpose of completing the collection and removal of hazardous waste from farmers throughout the country. The service is being provided to the public, free of charge. Further details are available on the Ministry of Environmental Protection's Hebrew website.

In preparation for the campaign and in order to facilitate the removal of pesticide waste, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has recommended the following:

Farmers holding pesticide wastes for removal are invited to apply to the environmental headquarters or to regional/local councils.
Farmers holding pesticides should check all materials stored in their facilities and should store the materials destined for removal separately. A detailed list of these materials should be forwarded to the Environmental Headquarters.
Handling of pesticides requires appropriate precautionary measures.