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...

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...

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. Under regulations which came into operation on 1 January 2023, ‘major producers’ of packaging waste are now required to become a member of an approved body.  Repak operates Ireland’s...

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...

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...

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...

A waste facility permit is a legal requirement in Ireland.   In accordance with Section 39 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, a waste authorisation is required in order for any person or company to treat/store/recycle/recover or dispose of waste. Examples of activities which require a waste authorisation include:  A waste authorisation may be...

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...

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...

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,...