The European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 are designed to promote the recovery of packaging waste by imposing recycling obligations on commercial suppliers who place packaging or packaged products onto the Irish market.
Packaging waste is comprised of the following waste types:
- Aluminium
- Fibreboard
- Glass
- Paper
- Plastic Sheeting
- Steel
- Wood
The regulations apply to all businesses that handle specified packaging, in whatever form it arises, in the course of their business.
Whether you manufacture, import, buy or sell packaged goods, whether you operate a factory or corner shop, pub or restaurant, these regulations apply to you. You are legally obliged to recycle your packaging waste.
All of the above waste types must be separated at source and be recovered using the services of an authorised waste collector. The waste must not be contaminated in any way.
For more information please visit the National Waste Collection Permit Office website.
Major Producers
There are additional obligations on major producers. Major producers of packaging are suppliers who annually place more than 10 tonnes of packaging in the Irish Market AND who have an annual turnover of more than €1million.
A major producer must choose to register with an approved scheme. Please see www.repak.ie for further information.
Note:
Under S.I. No. 659/2022 - European Union (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, self-compliance/registration with the Local Authority is no longer an option. All major producers of packaging must meet their obligations through registration with the compliance scheme, Repak. www.repak.ie