Packaging Waste Legal Requirement

Since 1997 Irish legislation has placed the responsibility for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste on those who handle packaging at any stage of the supply chain.

  • A ‘Producer’ of packaging waste is a business who, for the purpose of trade or otherwise in the course of business sells or otherwise supplies other persons packaging material, packaging or packaged products.  
  • A ‘Major Producer’ is a ‘Producer’ with an annual turnover greater than €1 million and who supplies packaging / packaged goods onto the Irish market exceeding 10 tonnes per year.

‘Major Producers’ have two options for compliance with the Irish Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997/2007:

packaging

There are significant cost implications associated with both options.

Self Compliance under the regulations entail a number of specific obligations, including:

  • Annual fees are calculated at €15 per tonne of packaging supplied subject to a minimum of €500 and a maximum of €15000.
  • Obligation to collect and recover packaging waste at your premises similar to the packaging that is placed on the Irish market in accordance with the targets set down in the Regulations.
  • Display a notice prominently stating the availability of this “Take Back” service on your premises.
  • Advertise “Take Back” facilities twice a year in a paper circulating in the Local Authority functional area.
  • Submit quarterly and annual reports, along with an annually revised 3-year plan stating how you will comply with the Regulations. 
  • Arrange for the collection of packaging within one week of a request to do so from anyone to whom the Major Producer supplies.

If you are unsure as to whether these regulations apply to you, or need advice, please contact us.

T:  +353 (0) 61 633644  E:  info@ecos.ie  W: www.ecos.ie