Hazardous waste is generated by all sectors of Irish society, from large industry, healthcare to small businesses, households and farms. It is for the most part managed by a professional hazardous waste industry and is treated appropriately and in accordance with legal requirements. Large quantities of hazardous waste are generated, and there is scope to reduce this generation of waste through waste prevention programmes. Around half of Irish hazardous waste is exported for treatment.
Read more about hazardous waste statistics.
The Environmental Protection Agency has a statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Act 1996 to prepare National Hazardous Waste Management Plans. The purpose of the Plan is to protect the environment and human health in Ireland through best-practice management of hazardous wastes. The current plan has twenty recommendations to achieve five key objectives. The plan also provides context on hazardous waste flows in Ireland, the key issues regarding hazardous waste prevention, collection and treatment, and the current policy and legislative environment. Work on implementation of the recommendations is ongoing with the lead organisations.
The plan, the 2022 annual report and the associated environmental reports and guidance are available for download:
Under the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2021-2017, the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices (RWMPOs) have produced a best-practice guide for handling asbestos waste.
Download NHWMP 2014-2020 Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland
Download Progress report on implementation of the NHWMP 2014-2020
Download NHWMP 2008-2012: Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland
Download National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 - Implementation Report 2011
Download the SEA Statement for National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012
Download Report on National Difficult Waste Facility - Technical & Economic Aspects of developing a National Difficult Waste Facility. (incorporating hazardous waste landfill).
Download Report on Economic Study of Solvent Treatment aimed at improving self sufficiency in treatment.
Download Householders' Guide to Hazardous Waste Prevention