Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
14. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will introduce an EPR charge for mattresses to avoid dumping in the landscape and to promote a circular economy, given that mattresses are not accepted at the Dublin Waste-to-Energy facility, and given the very successful experience of mattress EPR schemes in France, Belgium and the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15579/26]
View answerThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) 2020-2025 undertook to examine the feasibility of introducing further Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) arrangements for bulky waste, including mattresses. Research carried out in 2021 by the Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with Community Resources Network Ireland, indicated that EPR schemes may be an effective policy measure for improving collection and recycling of mattresses but that issues such as mattress design, use and end-of-life value also need to be considered to achieve better circularity.
Article 22(a)(2) of the revised Waste Framework Directive, which entered into force in October 2025, gives Member States the discretion to set up an EPR scheme for the producers of mattresses. In transposing this Directive, Ireland may decide to set up an EPR scheme for mattresses.
I note that the European Commission has identified mattresses as amongst the priority products for the 2025-2030 Working Plan for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation on the basis of their potential to promote a transition to a circular economy.
While in the immediate term, mattresses will continue to be managed within the current waste management system, the Department will update the WAPCE this year to ensure that the Plan aligns with and drives delivery of the new Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2025-2030. The development of an EPR for mattresses will be considered as part of this update.
Enforcement actions, such as the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) co-ordinated through the Waste Enforcement Lead Authorities, continue to play a role in tackling the illegal dumping of bulky waste. In particular, the ADI has provided funding for challenging waste streams such as mattresses.
