The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and other industry bodies are calling for an urgent review of Ireland’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for waste tyres, following a controversial expansion of the levy.
From 1 January 2025, the Irish government extended the waste tyre environmental charge to include agricultural, construction, industrial, truck, and bus tyres. Previously, the charge applied only to passenger cars, 4x4s, vans, and motorcycles.
The move has sparked widespread concern among key trade associations, who argue that the lack of consultation and increased costs could distort the market and impact competitiveness.
In a statement, IFA environment chair John Murphy criticised the expansion, warning that the environmental levy could have unintended economic consequences.
“This extension has been implemented without proper engagement with key stakeholders, which is a real weakness in the government’s approach,” Murphy stated.
The IFA is now calling for:
✅ A stakeholder working group to address concerns over cost-transparency, categorisation, and competitiveness.
✅ A postponement of the scheme’s expansion until these issues are resolved.
The IFA’s stance is backed by a coalition of industry groups, including:
Murphy also confirmed that the IFA has written to Alan Dillon, Minister of State for the Circular Economy, requesting an urgent meeting on the issue.
Ireland first introduced a compulsory compliance scheme for waste tyres in 2017 under the ‘visible environmental management cost’ (vEMC) system. The scheme ensures that the cost of recycling tyres is included at the point of sale.
The current tyre recycling fees are:
To further tighten waste management, the Irish government warned in 2024 that it would extend the scheme to cover larger tyre categories by 2025.
While the move is aimed at improving sustainability and waste tracking, industry leaders argue that the policy shift was rushed without industry consultation, leading to concerns over economic viability and transparency.
The IFA and allied organisations are pushing for urgent dialogue with the government to reassess the scheme and mitigate any unintended economic impacts.
With growing pressure from farmers, transport operators, and tyre businesses, the Irish government may face increasing calls to reconsider the levy’s implementation or offer a phased transition period.
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