Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:497. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the regulation of scrap metal here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 May 2018
Ceisteanna (497)
Freagraí scríofa
While regulation of the scrap metal industry or the second hand precious metals industry is not a matter within the remit of my Department, the regulation of waste activities is, of course, relevant to the industry. Such activities require authorisation in accordance with the Waste Management Act 1996 and depending on the authorisation required, these activities are controlled either by the Environmental Protection Agency or by local authorities, as competent authorities nominated by the State to implement such legislation. The purpose of these controls is to regulate the collection, recovery or disposal of waste in order to protect the environment. An examination of the waste licensing and permitting legislation was undertaken in 2014 in the context of the rise in metal theft to ensure all necessary provisions, particularly those relating to traceability, were in place to avoid situations that might be exploited by criminal elements. In order to improve traceability of waste received and to counter the trade in stolen metal, an amendment to the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 was introduced in 2014 to create the following additional requirements on all permitted facilities receiving/purchasing waste:
- require the production of proof of identity and current address of the person supplying the material,
- require records to be kept of the registration number and waste collection permit number of the delivery vehicle,
- require that records be kept describing the materials, time and date of sale, weight and amount paid, and
- require a signed statement by the person supplying the material that they are the lawful owner of the material or have the consent of the lawful owner to sell the material.
The improved traceability provisions outlined above are regarded as proportionate and practical measures to curtail the ability of those engaged in the theft of metals to dispose of these materials for profit, while not imposing an undue administrative burden on the waste management sector.