When it comes to milled asphalt—better known on site as blacktop—there’s a legal distinction that every local authority in Ireland needs to understand:

Is it a by-product, or is it waste?

The answer determines whether you need a waste permit, how you handle it, and whether you're exposing your council to compliance risk.

In 2024, the Irish government introduced new regulations known as the Circular Economy (Waste Recovery Levy) Regulations. These rules are set to significantly impact how construction and demolition (C&D) waste is handled and could bring about additional costs for developers. If you’re a developer, it's essential to understand the implications of this levy so you can manage your projects and budgets effectively.

The concept of a circular economy in the construction industry focuses on reducing waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging the sustainable use of resources. Here are some key aspects that the EPAN in Ireland have emphasised in waste their management guidelines: