Tire Technology International magazine reports that Ireland is set to broaden the scope of its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for tires, administered by Circol ELT, the entity overseeing Ireland’s tire compliance scheme with approval from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Starting from January 1, 2025, the EPR scheme will encompass all tire categories outlined in the Tyres Regulations (8th regulation). While the initial focus was on managing tires for passenger cars, 4x4s, vans, and motorcycles, the extended scheme will now include bus, truck, agricultural, construction, and industrial waste tires, ensuring a comprehensive approach to environmentally sustainable tire management.

The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017 impose obligations on those supplying tires to the Irish market to address the risks associated with waste tires. The EPR scheme, introduced in 2017 and overseen by Circol ELT, mandates tire producers and retailers to be members.

Building on the success of the scheme for passenger car and motorcycle tires, Circol ELT will engage in industry consultations with key stakeholders to facilitate the impending legislative change covering all tire categories.

Minister of State Ossian Smyth remarked, “The extension of the tires EPR scheme will ensure all tire categories are covered 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 diverting significant amounts of waste from landfill.”

Article by Tire Technology International.