Waste Disposal Licence

Waste activities play an important role in the economic well-being of Ireland. They contribute to sustainable growth but can also have a significant environmental impact. Waste activities produce emissions of various substances into the air, water and land. They also use resources such as energy and water.

The EPA issue licences to prevent and control pollution from these activities. EPA licences contain strict conditions on how an activity must operate to protect the environment from pollution.

A waste licence deals with:

• Emissions from specific activities (such as landfills and hazardous waste disposal)
• The environmental management of the facility

When do I need it?

Waste disposal and recovery activities in Ireland require authorisation under the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended). A waste recovery or disposal activity at a facility is one that either:

• Is an exempted activity (no authorisation required)
• Requires a waste (or IPC) licence
• Requires a Waste Facility Permit
• Requires a Waste Certificate of Registration / Registration Certificate

You must have a waste licence before starting a new activity which requires one. It is an offence to carry on a licensable activity without a licence.

An IPC or Waste Licence

If you are carrying on IPC and Waste activities, you can ask the EPA to make a declaration as to whether an IPC or Waste licence is required. See the EPA website for more.

How to apply

Legislative requirements

When applying to the EPA for a waste licence you must meet certain legislative requirements. The main ones include:

• Waste Management (Licencing) Regulations 2004 to 2011
• Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended
• Waste Management (WEEE) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 340 of 2005)
• Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Types) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 664 of 2007)

Before applying

We recommend engaging in pre-application clarification and consultation before submitting your application. Requirements for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be discussed at this stage. Contact licensing@epa.ie if you wish to arrange a pre-application meeting.

Before making an application, make sure you:

1. Check if you need a licence – refer to the Third & Fourth Schedule to the Waste Management Act
2. Register on the EPA online system (EDEN)
3. Erect a site notice on the site indicating that you propose to apply for a licence
4. Publish a notice in a newspaper circulating in the area
5. Notify the relevant planning authority

Making an application

When applying, make sure you:

1. Use the specified application form on EDEN and answer all questions
2. Pay attention to relevant BAT Guidance Notes available from the EPA
3. Submit all necessary supporting documentation, including the relevant licence application guidance for applicants (waivers and refunds of application and objection fees may be allowed in certain limited circumstances)

Fees

There are a range of potential fees related to a Waste Disposal Licence. View the full Schedule of Fees.

What if my application is rejected?

If your application does not comply with the regulations, the EPA may request additional information to achieve compliance. If you do not provide this information, your application may be not be progressed.

Who issues the licence?

Depending on the authorisation required, these activities are controlled either by the EPA or by Local Authorities. Local Authority waste authorisations are regulated by the EPA.

EPA Controlled Waste Activities

The licences issued by the EPA are listed in the 3rd and 4th Schedule to the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended. They include:

• Landfills
• Transfer stations
• Hazardous waste disposal
• Ship recycling
• Other significant waste disposal and recovery activities

These licences are granted for waste activities carried out by local authorities and private operators.

The EPA also issues Certificates of Registration to local authorities for smaller scale waste activities. These are listed in the Third Schedule Part II of the Waste Management (Facility Permit Registration) Regulations, S.I 821 of 2007 as amended.

Local Authority Controlled Waste Activities

Local Authorities grant and enforce Waste Permits and Certificates of Registration issued to private operators. These are for waste activities listed in the Third Schedule to the Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations S.I. No. 821 of 2007 as amended.