Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007
The Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 2007 came into effect on March 31st 2008 and concern the packaging waste generated by businesses, both on their own premises, and put onto the Irish market by the sale of products. The regulations aim to reduce the amount of packaging waste going to landfill by introducing targets to be met for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste.
What is Packaging?
Packaging is any material that packages any item sold on the market and includes cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, wood, paper, aluminium and steel. It includes packaging that comes with a product or which is put on separately.
Who is obligated under these regulations?
All businesses have obligations under these regulations. However, the extent of your obligations depends on whether you are classed as a Producer of Packaging or a Major Producer of Packaging.
| Producer | Major Producer |
| Turnover < €1 million and places < 10 tonnes packaging on market. | Turnover > €1 million and places > 10 tonnes packaging on market. |
| Obligations |
| Must segregate all back door waste for recovery by an authorised operator. | Same as a producer, but may also be obligated to self-comply or to join Repak. |
I am a Major Producer, What do I do now?
Manage your waste by seperating out the recyclable waste streams arising at your site/sites and arrange for their collection by an authorised waste collector.
As a Major Producer you have two options:
1. Register with Offaly County Council as a Self-Complier. You will be required to collect and recover packaging waste similar to the packaging that you have placed on the market, in accordance with the targets set down in the regulations. You will also be obliged to accept packaging waste back from those who buy your products. The Enforcement Section can be contacted as follows:
Waste Enforcement Section
Offaly County Council
Áras an Chontae
Charleville Road
Tullamore
Co. Offaly
Tel: 057 9357403
2. Register with Repak, the approved Packaging Compliance Scheme in Ireland. Membership of Repak will allow you to meet your obligations under the regulations. The contact details for Repak are as follows:
Repak Limited
Red Cow Interchange Estate
1 Ballymount Road
Clondalkin
Dublin 22
Tel: 01 4670190
Web: www.repak.ie
