Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging in Ireland
In line with the pan-European rules on packaging waste management, Ireland has adopted sustainable rules on EPR packaging. The main way in which these innovations are being implemented is through a commitment to ensure that all packaging on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable by 2030.
Who must register
According to Irish EPR rules for Packaging, all
– manufacturers
– distributors
– retailers
– importers
and other relevant categories that place packaging on the market and have exceeded the specified thresholds or wish to register voluntarily are subject to registration.
What is included in Packaging
The Irish government classifies packaging into the following categories:
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Glass
- Plastics
- Wood
- Non-recycled Comp.
Thresholds
Companies with an annual turnover exceeding €1 million or handling more than 10 packaging units are required to register for EPR compliance in Ireland. However, any company wishing to take responsibility for the recycling of its packaging may voluntarily register, regardless of whether meets these thresholds.
Registration procedure
EPR Packaging registration in Ireland consists of the following steps:
- Joining a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
- Completing the necessary registration forms.
- Submitting the application and company’s statutory documents.
- Signing a cooperation agreement.
- Receiving certificates of compliance.
- Submitting timely reports and paying recycling fees.
Authorized representative
There is no obligation to appoint a representative. Companies may become members and be represented by the director or other representative with prior approval.
Reporting Deadline
Companies in Ireland have to report used packaging twice a year:
- 21 August – the deadline for submitting the first half of the year.
- 21 February – the deadline for submitting the second half of the year.