End-of-waste marks the point at which a material transitions from a waste to a secondary product.
One example of a possible recycled aggregate is crushed concrete. However, Regulation 28(1) of the European Commission (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011-2020 requires that in order for a recycled/recovered material to cease to be classified as a waste, it must meet criteria set out in an end-of-waste decision. The Agency has published a national decision on end-of-waste setting out criteria for recycled aggregates in decision EoW-N001/2023.
End-of-waste gives waste holders the opportunity to demonstrate, with an appropriate level of rigour, that:
- A waste material can be ‘fully recovered’ and no longer be defined as waste.
- The waste can be used as a ‘secondary’ resource in place of, and fulfilling the same role as a non-waste derived or virgin ‘primary’ resource.
- New innovations can transform waste into a valuable resource.
- The fully recovered material can be used without causing overall adverse impacts to the environment or human health.
If you decide to make an end-of-waste application, a link to the EPA website is found below.
https://www.epa.ie/our-services/licensing/waste/end-of-waste-art-28/