Packaging
Most businesses have obligations to deal with packaging in an environmentally friendly manner as set out in the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 (SI No 282 of 2014)
A Producer of packaging is a person who in the course of business, manufactures, sells or supplies to others packaging material or packaged goods.
More details on the obligations of packaging producers
End-of-Life Vehicles
An end-of-life vehicle (or ELV) is a car or light commercial vehicle which is to be disposed of by the registered owner (in other words, a car or small van which is to be scrapped).
Since 1 January 2007, owners of intact end-of-life cars and vans must deposit such vehicles at an appropriately permitted or licensed authorised treatment facility (ATF).
More details on responsibilities regarding end-of-life vehicles
Waste Permits
Anyone who wishes to collect, transfer, store of treat waste must obtain the relevant Waste Permit.
Those who wish to collect or transfer waste must obtain a Waste Collection Permit from the NWCPO.
Anyone wishing to store or treat waste must obtain a Waste Facility permit or a Certificate of Registration from the Local Authority or EPA.
More information on types of permits and how they can be obtained
Plastic Bag Levy:
The Plastic Bag Environmental Levy is a charge on plastic shopping bags. It applies at the point of sale in shops, supermarkets, service stations and all sales outlets. Retailers must pass on the full amount of the levy as a charge to customers at the checkout. The charge for the plastic shopping bag is itemised on all invoices, receipts or dockets issued to customers.
More information on the plastic bag levy
Batteries and Accumulators:
Most batteries and accumulators contain heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead), which pose an environmental concern. If waste batteries are not disposed of correctly, heavy metals may leak causing soil and water pollution and putting human health at risk.
The Batteries Directive puts obligations on retailers to help to collect and recycle batteries in a safe manner.
More information on obligations regarding batteries and accumulators
Tyres and Waste Tyres:
Waste tyres are not classified as a hazardous waste but have they may cause environmental pollution if not disposed of correctly. The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 place responsibilities for the safe management of tyres on producers/suppliers of tyres, farmers who use tyres and members of the public.
More information on obligations regarding tyres and waste tyres
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE):
The WEEE Directive legislates for environmentally friendly disposal of WEEE. The Irish regulations implement the new European Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment and apply to producers (manufacturers and importers) distributors (retailers) of electrical and electronic equipment.
The European Union (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 149 of 2014) came into effect on 29th March 2014.
Producers and retailers are now responsible for the financing of the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE.
It means that final users of such household WEEE are now entitled to leave that waste back without charge, either to retail outlets when buying a replacement item or other authorised collection points, including local authority civic amenity sites.
SDCC have created a ‘WEEE Collection Points’ webapp for public display which can be accessed at the link - WEEE Collection Points
More information on obligations regarding Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
