Legal basis
Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, SI 242, 1997 & SI 382, 1998
- All of those involved in the chain of supply of packaging have obligations to recover packaging waste. However, those who put more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the market and with a turnover of more than 1 million IEP per annum have more stringent obligations to ensure the recovery of packaging waste. They can either self-comply, and operate a 'take-back' scheme at their premises, or join a compliance scheme (Repak). Local authorities are responsible for the collection of household packaging waste and the enforcement of the Regulations.
- The Regulations on Essential Requirements were adopted in 1998
Targets
Ireland also has a derogation whereby it has to recover only 25% by 2001. The targets that must be attained by Repak are found in a plan prepared by Irish Industry (IBEC) and agreed to by the Department of the Environment, as follows:
- Glass 45% of which 30% commercial & industrial and 18% household
- Plastics 10% of which 8.5% commercial & industrial and 1.5% household
- Paper 31% of which 30% commercial & industrial and 0.5% household
- Steel 5%
- Aluminium 25%
- Total 27%
By 2005 Ireland must recover 50% of all packaging waste.
