Ireland Expands EPR Coverage for Tyres

The Irish Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy Ossian Smyth is expanding the tyres Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. From 1 January 2025, the scheme will include all categories of tyres set out in the Tyres Regulations (8th regulation).

Currently, the EPR scheme manages tyres of passenger cars, 4x4s, van and motorcycle tyres to find sustainable solutions for managing waste tyres.

The inclusion of all tyre categories will enable the environmentally sound management of bus, truck, agricultural, construction and industrial waste tyres.

To reduce these risks, the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017 place certain obligations on those who supply tyres to the Irish market. Ireland introduced an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for tyres in 2017. This is operated by Circol ELT (formerly Repak ELT). All tyre producers and retailers are legally obliged to be members of the scheme.

Following on from the success of the tyre scheme for passenger car and motorcycle tyres, Circol ELT will commence industry consultation with key stakeholders to support the upcoming change in legislation for all tyres.

Commenting on the extension of the tyres EPR scheme, Minister Smyth said; “The extension of the tyres EPR scheme will ensure all tyre categories are captured under the scheme. To date, the tyres 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.

“EPR Schemes are an effective method to increase circular economy and provide Ireland with the opportunity to develop economic incentives in favour of circular products and business models.”

Circol ELT (formerly Repak ELT) was founded six years ago and tasked with managing end of life tyres, starting with car tyres. This role is being expanded to cover all tyre arisings in Ireland.

The scheme is funded by an Environmental Management Cost (EMC) paid by the producers to Circol ELT, who organise the collection and treatment of end-of-life tyres.