Packaging
The Waste Management Packaging Regulations were introduced in 1997 to assist Ireland achieve packaging recovery targets set out in EU Directive: EU 94/62/EC. Ireland’s current recovery target is set at 60%, with a recycling rate of 55% of the total packaging supplied onto the Irish market (EU Directive 2004/12/EC). These targets need to be met by 2011. The European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014) came into effect on 30 July 2014 and aim to assist in achieving these targets whilst also consolidating previous packaging regulations. The 2014 Regulations were amended in 2020 by the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2020 and in 2022 by the European Union (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
Obligations for All Producers of Packaging Waste
There are some primary obligations on all producers of packaging waste relating to (i) packaging waste arising on a producer’s premise, (ii) information on packaging destined for reuse, (iii) information on the weight of packaging and (iv) their obligations regarding recovery operators. These obligations are detailed in the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014) as amended.
Major Producer?
- Does your business supply an aggregate weight of packaging material and packaging which exceeds 10 tonnes in a calendar year?
AND
- Does your business have an annual turnover of more than €1 million?
If you are unsure of the volume of packaging material and packaging that you place onto the Irish market, you may need to carry out a packaging audit.
Major Producer Obligations
Major Producers (i.e., those companies who place more than 10 tonnes of packaging waste onto the market and who have an annual turnover in excess of €1 million per annum) are further obligated under the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014) as amended.
All Major Producers must become a member of Repak, which is currently the only approved body operating a scheme for the recovery of packaging and packaging waste.
How to become a member of Repak:
To become a member of Repak companies must pay an annual fee. Repak then becomes responsible for the collection and recycling of all packaging waste, up to the percentage of its members obligations. Click here to visit the Repak site.
This is a brief selection of the main obligations and is not an exhaustive list of a major producer’s obligations. SDCC would advise all major producers to read the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014) and subsequent amended in full.
Enforcement of the Packaging Regulations:
The Council's Enforcement team carries out inspections to ensure that suspected Major Producers are fully compliant with the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014) as amended.
NOTE: This web page is a guide only. It does not purport to provide, and should not be relied upon as, a legal interpretation of the regulations. South Dublin County Council advises you to read the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014) as amended in full.