Starting 1 September 2024, Ireland will see a significant change in its waste management regulations. The Waste Recovery and Landfill Levy Regulations will be amended to remove exemptions for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. This blog delves into the implications of this change and highlights how Hub360's digital tracking capabilities will play a crucial role in this new landscape.

The Current Scenario

To date, construction waste has been exempted from environmental levies, despite being the fastest-growing waste stream in Ireland. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), construction waste constitutes the largest waste stream in the EU. In Ireland, this waste type now accounts for over half of the total waste generated, with a meagre 8% being recycled or reused. This exemption is no longer sustainable.

Upcoming Changes

Starting 1 September 2024, all forms of construction waste, including soil and stone excavated from construction sites and repurposed for backfilling projects, will no longer be exempt from levies. Disposal at landfills will incur a reduced levy rate of €10 per tonne, down from the full €85 per tonne, and construction waste directed to recovery will also be levied at €10 per tonne.

Why These Changes?

The removal of levy exemptions aims to encourage the construction industry to minimise waste generation and promote reuse and recycling, aligning with the broader goal of transitioning to a circular economy. This shift is crucial for reducing the environmental and economic impacts of waste disposal and recovery.

Hub360: Transforming Waste Tracking

With the new regulations, effective compliance and tracking of construction waste become paramount. Hub360 provides a cutting-edge solution with real-time tracking and geo-tagging capabilities, ensuring precise monitoring of waste movements. This technology supports the construction industry in adhering to new regulations and achieving greater accountability in waste management.

The amendments to the Waste Recovery and Landfill Levy Regulations represent a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future for Ireland. With the support of digital tracking technologies like Hub360, the construction industry is well-positioned to embrace these changes, contributing to a greener and more sustainable economy.