Fluctuating Waste Figures Raise Red Flags

The Numbers Don’t Add Up 

2012: Ireland generated approximately 9 million tonnes of C&D waste.

2021: The country reported 9 million tonnes of C&D waste again.
2022: This number dropped to 8.3 million tonnes, with soil and stones making up 85% of this waste.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has identified a critical issue within the EU’s construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management. Despite boasting high recovery rates, a significant portion of this waste is subjected to low-grade recovery operations like backfilling. To tackle this challenge and enhance the quality of recycling and reuse, the EEA is championing the adoption of circular economy practices across the construction sector.

In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted Directive (EU) 2024/1203, widely referred to as the Environmental Crime Directive. Effective as of May 20, 2024, this groundbreaking legislation significantly bolsters the European Union's approach to environmental protection through criminal law. By expanding the list of offenses, introducing harsher penalties, and emphasizing accountability at all organizational levels, the directive underscores the importance of sustainable practices across industries—with the construction sector being no exception.

Transporting treated organic sludge cake (biosolids) is a critical process for wastewater treatment plants, waste management companies, and agricultural contractors. Whether the sludge is destined for agricultural land, composting, or landfill alternatives, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant transport is paramount.

Here’s an overview of the transport requirements for treated sludge cake, the challenges involved, and how Hub360 simplifies the process.

Developers and contractors have a vital role in managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and they must adhere to several specific legal obligations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Here’s an overview of their key responsibilities:

In 2024, the Irish government introduced new regulations known as the Circular Economy (Waste Recovery Levy) Regulations. These rules are set to significantly impact how construction and demolition (C&D) waste is handled and could bring about additional costs for developers. If you’re a developer, it's essential to understand the implications of this levy so you can manage your projects and budgets effectively.

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 places significant responsibilities on local authorities when they manage infrastructure or construction projects. Just like private developers, local authorities are classified as the waste producers for any project they oversee, meaning they bear full legal responsibility for managing waste in compliance with strict environmental regulations.

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 has brought significant changes to how the construction industry in Ireland must manage its waste. Despite this, many in the sector seem unaware of the substantial legal responsibilities now placed upon them. If you are a contractor, subcontractor, or part of the broader construction industry, it’s time to take note: you are responsible for the waste generated from your projects, and where it ends up, and failure to comply could have serious consequences.

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, particularly as governments and financial institutions tie green funding to strict environmental standards. One of the most crucial aspects of achieving compliance with these standards is proper waste tracking. The EU Taxonomy Regulation (2020/852) sets out clear technical screening criteria that construction projects must meet to qualify for green funding. Proper waste management and resource use monitoring are essential for demonstrating compliance and securing investment. Here’s why.

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.

As of 1 September 2024, the Waste Recovery and Landfill Levy Regulations in Ireland will see a major shift. Levy exemptions for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste will be removed, impacting how this waste is managed.

For developers not using the HUB360 Tipper App, several pain points arise, especially when managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste and aggregate materials within the rigorous compliance frameworks and environmental sustainability goals. These challenges include: