The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for tyres was introduced in 2017 and is operated by Repak ELT. Under the scheme, any tyres which have incurred the ‘Visible Environmental Charge’ are collected free of charge by Repak ELT through registered waste collectors. It is intended that the scheme will ultimately include freight and agri tyres.
In 2018, my department provided €700,000 towards the removal of farm stockpiled tyres which predated the introduction of the EPR scheme. This fund was fully expended, assisting farmers across the State. There are no immediate plans for a further scheme. It is important to ensure that any such supports do not undermine the successful operation of the national compliance scheme.