Waste Collection Permit: When is it required?

A Waste Collection Permit is required where a person wishes to collect waste for the purposes of reward or profit and is issued by the National Waste Collection Permits Office (NWCPO).  In accordance with Section 24 (1) of the Waste Management ( Collection Permit) Regulations 2007 & 2008, a WCP is valid for 5 years...

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National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030

The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 has been published and replaces the Regional Waste Management Plans. The Plan sets out a framework for the prevention and management of waste in Ireland for the period 2024 to 2030. This Plan recognises Climate Change as a key driver for both behavioural change and...

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Circular Economy Opportunity

The circular economy opportunity often becomes shrouded in “higher level” benefits to address the triple planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity, and pollution, as well as pathways for inclusive development.  Throw in the holy grail “Net Zero” misconception that it is only possible only through heavy investments and sacrificing margins and enthusiasm wanes rapidly. Sustainable development...

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80 Percent Funding for GreenStart projects

80 Percent Funding for GreenStart projects

Up to 80 Percent funding is available to Enterprise Ireland and Industrial Development Authority clients  to fund GreenStart projects and 50 Percent funding for GreenPlus projects. GreenStart/Greenplus is not just for manufacturing companies!  Software and internationally traded services companies can avail of funding to learn about and implement environmental improvements to their business. Companies can...

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Waste is a Resource – Gain and Retain value

When is a waste not a waste? Or better still why is a waste a waste? “A waste is a resource from which value has not been optimised – products, process, people  = €, £, $.” A circular economy can help achieve these targets, save money and reduces pressure on the environment.  However, significant barriers...

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Discharge Licence: Do You need one

Discharge Licence: Do You need one

A discharge licence is required if you discharge a trade effluent from your premises to either a public sewer, surface water or groundwater. The Water Pollution Act (1977) defined a trade effluent as a wastewater, which is discharged from premises used for carrying on any trade or industry (including mining) but does not include domestic...

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Environmental Legislation

Environmental regulatory compliance is an opportunity to optimise the management of resources to add value or create cost savings. Ireland has a well-developed system of environmental legislation which is principally administered and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Regional/local authorities throughout Ireland and Irish Water Our clients work with ECOS because we: The key...

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What is “Trade Effluent” and what licences are required?

Trade effluent is any liquid discharge which is not domestic sewage (toilet, bath or hand washing waste, < 5 m3/day) or uncontaminated surface water and roof drainage (rainwater), that is to be disposed of from a business premises to the public sewer system, surface water or groundwater. Trade effluent may contain materials such as oil, grease, nutrients,...

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Water Resource €100k Cap Ex Saving

ECOS has been working with a manufacturing business since 2012 when we saved them €100,000 capital expenditure and €25,000 annual operational costs through optimising their use of a water resource. Through modification of a production process a waste stream was reduced by in excess of 90% , negating the need for on-site treatment. Additional savings...

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Environmental Management and Competitive Advantage

Environmental Management and Competitive Advantage

ECOS helps our clients to save costs or increase value within their business. Think of the following:  Cost of Prevention versus Cost of Failure Lean Management Principles Optimise your Products, Processes and People Environmental management as a just another business tool to make your business more efficient/effective and provide competitive advantage ECOS works with SME...

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