Consultation on draft regulations to reform the End-of-Waste decision making process

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:

• Streamline the end-of-waste application and decision-making process, and
• Introduce an appropriate fee for end-of-waste applications

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.

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:

• the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI)
• the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE)
• the Data Protection Act 2018

Publishing of responses

We intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact (remove) personal data before publication.

Please indicate any sensitive information

In responding to this consultation, clearly indicate where your response contains any information which you would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published. This can include:

• personal information
• commercially sensitive information
• confidential information

Read our Data Privacy Notice

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which explains:

• how and when we collect personal data
• why we do so
• how we treat this information
• your rights in relation to the collection of personal information
• how you can exercise those rights

Industry Submissions

Group/Organisation Submissions

Public Body Submissions

Individual Submissions

A further 3 written responses were received by email, within 48 hours, after the consultation deadline passed. Whilst these submissions were not taken into account for the consultation, the comments made were noted by the department.

Late Submissions - Industry

Late Submissions - Public Body