Republic of Ireland Tyre Recycling: Repak ELT and Compliance Requirements

By:     Conor Murphy

The Republic of Ireland Tyre Recycling Market

The Republic of Ireland manages waste tyres under a producer responsibility framework administered through Repak ELT (End of Life Tyres), the approved compliance scheme for tyre producers and importers in Ireland. The Irish tyre recycling market, while modest in absolute volume given Ireland’s population of approximately 5 million, operates under a well-structured regulatory framework enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local authorities.

Ireland’s vehicle fleet of approximately 2.5 million registered vehicles generates an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of used tyres annually. This volume, while smaller than larger European economies, supports a tyre recycling industry supplemented by cross-border flows with Northern Ireland and by the import of used tyres from the UK for processing in Irish facilities.

Gradeall International, based in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, supplies the Republic of Ireland market as a near-neighbour manufacturer. The MKII tyre baler, truck tyre sidewall cutter, tyre rim separator, and the full tyre recycling equipment range serve Irish tyre processors, with delivery logistics straightforward given Gradeall’s proximity to the Republic. With nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience and equipment in over 100 countries, Gradeall understands the Irish regulatory and commercial context.

Repak ELT: The Irish Tyre Producer Responsibility System

Repak ELT is Ireland’s approved compliance scheme for tyre producer responsibility, operating under the European Communities (End-of-Life Tyres) Regulations 2007 (SI 664/2007) and subsequent amendments. Repak ELT was established by the tyre industry as the approved scheme through which tyre producers and importers meet their producer responsibility obligations under Irish law.

Producer and importer obligations. Irish tyre producers and importers above the de minimis threshold must either join Repak ELT or establish an individual compliance scheme approved by the Minister for the Environment. The vast majority of Irish tyre obligated producers are Repak ELT members. Members pay annual fees based on the quantity and type of tyres placed on the Irish market; these fees fund Repak ELT’s collection and treatment activities.

Collection network. Repak ELT organises collection from authorised collection points across Ireland, including tyre retailers, automotive service centres, fleet operators, and vehicle dismantlers. The collection network covers the Republic of Ireland; Northern Ireland is a separate jurisdiction managed by NIEA as described in the Northern Ireland article.

Approved treatment operators. Irish tyre processors wishing to receive Repak ELT collection volumes must be approved by Repak ELT as treatment operators. Approval requires a valid waste facility permit from the EPA, demonstrated processing capability, and compliance with Repak ELT’s requirements. Contact Repak ELT for current approval criteria and the application process.

Irish Regulatory Framework

Waste Management Act 1996 (and amendments). Ireland’s primary waste management legislation is the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended), which establishes the general waste management framework including the waste hierarchy, duty of care provisions, the licensing and permitting system, and the enforcement powers of the EPA and local authorities.

EPA waste facility permits. Irish tyre processing facilities require a waste facility permit from the EPA under the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007. The permit application requires a detailed site description, waste acceptance criteria, processing methods, environmental management provisions, and a fire prevention plan. EPA permits for tyre facilities include conditions on maximum storage volumes, fire management, environmental monitoring, and reporting.

Local authority enforcement. Irish local authorities have enforcement responsibilities for waste management at the local level, working alongside the EPA on enforcement matters. The Irish Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) coordinate regional enforcement activity; the National Waste Collection Permit Office manages waste collection permits for Irish collectors.

Tyre disposal regulations. The End-of-Life Tyres Regulations 2007 establish specific disposal prohibitions for waste tyres in Ireland. Whole tyres cannot be landfilled; shredded tyres cannot be landfilled; tyres must be managed through approved treatment routes. These regulations are consistent with EU requirements and create the regulatory driver for tyre recycling infrastructure investment in Ireland.

Processing Routes in Ireland

Crumb rubber. Crumb rubber production is the primary processing route in Ireland, serving domestic sports surface, playground, and equestrian markets. Irish crumb rubber demand is supplemented by export to the UK and other EU markets.

Civil engineering baling. Ireland’s significant road infrastructure programme, including the National Development Plan’s motorway network completion, creates civil engineering fill demand for tyre bales. The MKII tyre baler produces PAS 108-compliant bales from Irish facilities. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and county council roads programmes are the primary procurement targets for Irish civil engineering bale sales.

“Ireland is Gradeall’s home market in many respects; we’re a Northern Ireland manufacturer and our proximity to the Republic makes us a natural partner for Irish tyre recyclers,” says Conor Murphy, Director of Gradeall International. “The Repak ELT system provides a solid framework for processors who meet its quality requirements, and the National Development Plan’s infrastructure investment creates strong civil engineering bale demand.”

Contact Gradeall International for tyre processing equipment for Irish operations.

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