New Construction Waste Levy Introduced in Ireland from September 2024

A significant shift in Ireland’s waste management landscape has come into effect as of 1 September 2024. The removal of levy exemptions for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste marks a crucial change, with new regulations reshaping how this waste is managed across the country.

Moving Toward a Circular Economy

The foundations for these changes were laid by the Circular Economy (Waste Recovery Levy) Regulations 2023. This introduces a €10 per tonne levy on recovery operations, including incineration and waste-to-energy facilities. This initiative aligns with Ireland’s broader Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. It’s idea is to promote more sustainable waste management practices and reduce the environmental impact of construction activities.

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The Challenge of Construction Waste

Construction waste has become the fastest-growing waste stream in Ireland, accounting for over half of the country’s total waste. Despite its scale, this waste stream has historically been exempt from levies, an approach that has been increasingly viewed as unsustainable. From now on, all types of construction waste—including soil and stone—will be subject to levies, with a €10 per tonne charge applied to both landfill disposal and recovery operations.

Driving Change in the Industry

The aim of these regulatory updates is clear: to incentivise the construction sector to minimise waste disposal and enhance recovery efforts. By introducing these levies, the Irish government seeks to encourage greater reuse and recycling of materials, pushing the industry towards a circular economy where resources are managed more efficiently and sustainably.