Ireland consults on new Circular Economy Strategy and WEEE and Batteries EPR schemes review

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has recently launched two consultations that will shape Ireland’s approach to the circular economy and producer responsibility in the years ahead. The first sets out a new draft Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028,^[1] while the second reviews the operation of Ireland’s WEEE and Batteries extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes .^[2] 

Together, these initiatives mark an important step in aligning Ireland’s waste, resource, and product policy with the EU’s evolving circular economy agenda — and carry potential implications for consumer and retail businesses operating in Ireland.

Circular Economy Strategy 2026 – 2028

The draft Circular Economy Strategy outlines the Government’s ambition to embed circularity across the economy by reducing material use, extending product lifetimes and stimulating new business models in repair, reuse and refurbishment.

The Strategy outlines cross-cutting policy measures to promote circularity across the economy, alongside targeted actions for specific priority waste streams - including packaging, textiles, construction materials, food waste and electronic goods (including WEEE and batteries) – and identifies supporting measures to remove legal, financial and behavioural barriers to circularity.

Key objectives include improving data on material flows, expanding reuse and repair infrastructure (for example, through community repair hubs and reuse networks), creating regional employment in circular industries, and aligning public procurement, taxation and innovation funding to favour circular products and services.

The DCEE frames the circular transition as both an environmental and an economic opportunity, highlighting its potential to strengthen competitiveness and resilience in Ireland’s domestic market.

Review of WEEE and Batteries EPR schemes

In parallel, the DCEE is undertaking a review of the WEEE and Batteries EPR schemes. The review will assess whether the current dual producer responsibility organisation (PRO) model, under which WEEE Ireland and ERP Ireland both operate approved schemes, continues to deliver value.

Ireland is one of the few EU Member States that allows competition between PROs, and the DCEE is now examining whether this approach remains efficient and effective. The consultation will consider whether the schemes are meeting national collection and recycling targets, managing costs appropriately, and contributing to national circular economy goals. It will also evaluate the efficiency, governance and oversight of the current system, as well as the quality of services provided to producers.

Implications for businesses

For producers, these consultations could significantly influence both the structure and cost of compliance in Ireland. Any change to the number of approved PROs, or to the conditions under which they operate, may affect producer fees, reporting processes and administrative requirements. The draft Circular Economy Strategy also signals a broader policy shift towards reuse, repair and product life extension, suggesting that producer obligations may evolve to place greater emphasis on design, durability and resource efficiency rather than solely on end-of-life recycling.

Distributors and retailers, particularly those offering take-back or collection services, should also monitor developments closely. The Strategy’s focus on reuse systems and consumer participation in circular initiatives could lead to expanded roles for retail collection, repair or refurbishment models, as well as opportunities to participate in new circular economy programmes.

Businesses should review their existing arrangements with PROs, evaluate how their operations and product portfolios align with Ireland’s emerging circular economy priorities, and consider submitting feedback — either directly or through trade associations — before the consultations close.

Next steps

The Circular Economy Strategy consultation is open for feedback until 5 November 2025 and the WEEE and Batteries EPR review consultation is open for feedback until 24 November 2025.

The DCEE will use feedback from both processes to finalise the new Circular Economy Strategy and determine whether changes to Ireland’s EPR framework are required. Businesses across the consumer and retail value chain should take this opportunity to help shape Ireland’s next phase of circular economy policy - particularly as expectations around producer responsibility, reuse and product design continue to increase at EU level.
 

^[1] Public Consultation on the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028

^[2] Public Consultation on the Review of the WEEE and Batteries Producer Responsibility Schemes