From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
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The aim of this consultation is to seek views from interested parties on draft regulations to reform the End-of-Waste decision making process operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
End-of-waste refers to a process where material which is recovered or recycled from waste ceases to be waste. This process is based in legislation, namely Article 6 of the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC), which was transposed by Regulation 28 of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, 2011 as amended.
An end-of-waste decision has significant value because it allows for the creation of new products from the material and also takes it out of the waste regulatory system. It therefore has a significant role to play as we move to a more circular economy by moving material up the waste hierarchy and extracting value from what would have been discarded previously. This helps us meet recycling targets, facilitates use as a product and reduces pressure on waste infrastructure. Reduced carbon emissions arising from the replacement of virgin materials is an important co-benefit.
In recognition of the important role that end-of-waste can play in helping to transition to a a circular economy, The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020, contains a number of commitments in relation to improving the operation of this area, including commitments to:
Similar commitments in relation to By-Products will be addressed in separate regulations.
The Consultation Paper is available for download below, along with a copy of the draft regulations.
Consultation on Draft Regulations to Reform the End-of-Waste Decision Making Process
Draft Waste Management Act 1996 (End-of-Waste) Regulations 2024
Submissions may be sent by email to circeconmaterials@decc.gov.ie or by post to:
End-of-Waste Regulations Consultation,
Circular Economy Division,
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications,
Newtown Road,
Wexford,
Y35 AP90.
The closing date for receipt of completed submissions has been extended to 5.30pm on Friday, 11 October 2024.
We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. While we are specifically seeking the views of industry, any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation.
Your response to this consultation is subject to:
We intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact (remove) personal data before publication.
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