The Role the EPA & Local Authorities Play in Hazardous Waste Management

31 Oct 2023

At OHSS, we work hard to protect Irish businesses and their workers from the biggest occupational health killer of our time - asbestos. Advising on the dangers and management of workplace asbestos in compliance with regulations, our team ensures that all obligations and legal standards are met in relation to the deadly substance.

In this blog, we look at the role of Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other local authorities when it comes to the storage of hazardous waste, such as asbestos. 

The EPA Licenses of Hazardous Waste Storage 

Naturally, special care must be taken when dealing with hazardous waste such as asbestos, and every care must be taken to dispose of it in the correct manner. Along with its responsibilities to licensing landfills, ship recycling and transfer stations, the EPA also licences hazardous waste disposal sites in Ireland. 

Local authorities also play an important role in the management of hazardous waste, as they're responsible for investigating all incidents of pollution of the air, land and water and prosecuting infringements. They're also responsible for the issuance of waste collection permits - which are necessary when transporting and disposing of materials like asbestos.

That said, not all permits are the same, and waste should only ever be handed over to a correctly certified company or site. As such, you should be sure to check with your local authority to ensure you have the right permit. 

Strict Rules Exist Around Asbestos Handling For a Reason

Strict guidelines exist with regard to the management of asbestos removal and disposal for a very good reason. Despite its banning at the end of the 20th century, it still represents a major occupational killer, so if you suspect its presence on your premises or at a renovation project site, be sure to call our experts for the advice you need.

Alternatively, if you’d like to know more about what OHSS does in the field of occupational hygiene, occupational safety and asbestos awareness training, visit us today at www.ohss.ie. To speak to our team about anything discussed here, call 01 6905907.

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