Ireland is expanding its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for tires, operated by Circol ELT, which operates Ireland’s tire compliance scheme, under approval from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
From January 1, 2025, the scheme will encompass all tire categories specified in the Tyres Regulations (8th regulation). Initially managing tires for passenger cars, 4x4s, vans and motorcycles, the extended scheme will now include bus, truck, agricultural, construction and industrial waste tires, for environmentally sustainable management.
The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017 impose obligations on those supplying tires to the Irish market to mitigate risks associated with waste tires. The EPR scheme, introduced in 2017 and operated by Circol ELT, mandates all tire producers and retailers to be members.
In response to the success of the scheme for passenger car and motorcycle tires, Circol ELT will engage in industry consultation with key stakeholders to facilitate the upcoming legislative change for all tire categories.
Minister of State Ossian Smyth commented, “The extension of the tires EPR scheme will ensure all tire categories are captured under the scheme.
“To date, the tires EPR scheme has operated very successfully and has allowed Ireland to exceed its domestic targets. The scheme also contributes to diversion of large amounts of waste from landfill.”