FAQs

Any queries in relation to the Regulations should be addressed to Environment Section at customerservices@tipperarycoco.ie or on 0818 06 5000.

The ‘Essential Requirements’ have been designed specifically to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and to avoid over-packaging. Packaging weight and volume should be minimised to the amount needed for safety, hygiene and acceptance of the packed product. Packaging must be recoverable and be suitable for recycling, energy recovery, composting, or reuse if designed for reuse. Levels of specified noxious materials must not exceed 100 parts per million and should have minimum impact on the environment at end of life after recycling or energy recovery.

There are significant environmental and economic benefits associated with recycling. Recycling helps create jobs, can be more cost effective than waste collection, reduces the need for new landfills, saves energy, supplies valuable raw materials to industry, and adds to the economy. Packaging waste is actually a resource; it can be re-used, recycled and recovered. All this will help create and secure jobs, help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and improve our carbon footprint and assist in Ireland’s promotion as a green economy.

Local Authorities are responsible for registration, monitoring, auditing, inspecting, reporting and enforcing these Regulations. Local Authorities can issue a Certificate of Registration or refuse an application for renewal of registration as a self-complying major producer under Article 13 of the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014. Local Authorities can issue a producer (both major and non-major) with a Notice, under Article 25 of the Regulations, requiring the submission of a Packaging Report, compiled by an approved person, within a stated time frame.

Once you have segregated your packaging waste you may either: Present it in your mixed dry recycling bin for collection by an authorised collector, Bring the segregated packaging waste to an authorised facility, such as a civic amenity site, or Bring it to a self-complying major producer. Note: if a person brings waste to an authorised waste facility all reasonable steps shall be taken to (i) minimise the creation of odours and nuisance, (ii) ensure it is suitable (clean, dry and uncontaminated) for recycling / recovery, and, (iii) it complies with a major producers obligations, e.g. if glass is not placed on the market by a major producer then the major producer is not obliged to accept it for recycling / recovery.

Once obligated, apply to the Local Authority for registration and renew such registration not later than the 31st January each following year. The registration forms are available online at www.tipperarycoco.ie/environment FRM 0074 03 Packaging Self Complier INITIAL Application FRM 0075 03 Packaging Self Complier RENEWAL Application Display a notice at each entrance to a supplying premises stating that packaging waste of the type placed on the market by the producer, will be accepted free of charge for the purpose of recovery. Provide adequate facilities at each supplying premises for the acceptance, segregation and storage of packaging waste. These facilities will be advertised to customers. Accept or collect from any person (free of charge), at each supplying premises, packaging waste of the type or brand supplied by the producer. Ensure packaging waste accepted/collected is either transferred to a producer of packaging or is made available for recovery. A major producer, who is an importer of packaged goods or a packer/filler, must accept or collect not less than 60% by weight of the packaging imported/pack-filled by that producer in the previous quarter. Prepare a plan specifying the steps to be taken to comply with the regulations. Applications for registration/renewal of registration are required for each premises separately. (Application forms are available on request and a fee of €15.00 per tonne or a minimum fee of €500.00 and maximum of €15,000.00 per application will apply). Compile and submit quarterly reports to Tipperary County Council on the weight of packaging and packaging waste received, supplied, accepted, recovered and disposed of. Compile and submit annual reports and 3-year implementation plans to the Local Authority. Such information is to be retained for 3 years. Advertise twice yearly (March and September) in a local newspaper your take back obligations. Note: Producers who are certified members of REPAK are exempt from the above responsibilities

All producers must segregate their packaging waste arising on site into specified waste streams and ensure that it is recycled or recovered by an authorised waste contractor. Producers must not contaminate packaging waste. All producers must not supply packaging unless the packaging complies with the requirements of the ‘Essential Requirements’, set out in the Regulations. Producers with a turnover of more than €1million that place 10 tonnes per annum of packaging on to the Irish market (known as a ‘Major Producer’) are obligated to participate in a recovery scheme operated by an approved body (i.e. join REPAK) or to register with their Local Authority (Self Compliance). REPAK’s Packaging Waste Prevention Programme aims to assist Irish businesses with positive and practical ways to reduce packaging and to promote those achievements to a wider audience. More information is available on www.preventandsave.ie/About_Us.html

Substances or objects that are discarded, intended or required to be discarded and that display some of the following properties: corrosive, explosive, irritant, flammable, toxic, etc.; may be termed Hazardous Waste. Hazardous waste may not be disposed of in household waste.

Packaging waste collected for recycling / recovery shall not be disposed of. Some collection trucks may have dual compartments which mean they can collect two types of wastes simultaneously, however, if you have any concerns that source segregated waste is being re-mixed on collection please contact our Environment Section and our enforcement officers will investigate at customerservices@tipperarycoco.ie or on 0818 06 5000.

Yes, but this is not just for TVs, it works for any electrical product from stereos to computers. But be warned, it is done on a 'like for like basis' so don't expect the shop to recycle your old fridge when you're only buying an electric toothbrush! Instead, bring this fridge to your local recycling centre. Remember the 15 day rule! You have 15 days to bring back your WEEE to the shop after buying a new item. Bring your receipt as proof of purchase.