Repak is a government approved voluntary compliance scheme which operates as a not for profit company, established by private industry in order to help member companies meet their waste management obligations in a cost effective manner.

Repak is a voluntary initiative between Industry and the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government designed to meet industry’s producer responsibility obligations under the EU directive on packaging and packaging waste (94/62/EC) and the subsequent Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997.

The aim of this piece of legislation is to increase the level of used packaging recovery and recycling in Ireland in order to reach the targets set by European Parliament. It is proposed that this target will increase to 60% by 2011.

Repak assumes all legal responsibilities for the recovery and recycling of used packaging from the household and commercial sectors on behalf of its 1,700 members. The annual membership fees paid by those who are members of Repak are used to fund, support and promote packaging recycling initiatives throughout the country.

Packaging is defined as “All materials/products used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods from the producer to the end-user and consumer”. 94/62/EC Directive

Repak have formally adopted The Green Dot symbol, and its use on packaging signifies that member companies of Repak are participating in a voluntary compliance scheme to fulfil their producer responsibilities under the regulations and are making a financial contribution to that scheme. Click here to visit Greendot details

Repak organise a number of specific campaigns directed at the general public for example:

• Repak Green Christmas Campaign
the overall aim of the campaign is to encourage householders to recycle by making it as easy as possible to recycle the 30% extra excess cardboard, paper, glass, plastic and cans generated over the Christmas period to be recycled.

• Repak Recycling Week
offers both you the consumer and industry an opportunity to stop and think about how they deal with their used packaging and start the recycling habit. The theme for the week is “Start Recycling – Keep Recycling” .

• Repak Cash for Cans
initiative was launched in 2001, targeting schools with the objectives of increasing the amount of aluminium cans recycled, and teaching children about the benefits of recycling.

Each member of Repak receives a Certificate of Compliance which is displayed on the premises. Some of the advantages of this certificate are:

• Exempting the member from having to accept back and recycle packaging waste from their customers and the public


• Licensing the member to use the Green Dot trademark.


• Member’s conferences and workshops including training.


• Access to Repak’s list of registered Recovery Operators.


• Quarterly newsletter / bulletin updates on packaging recycling, with updates on European and National waste packaging legislation


• Analysis and evaluation of the company’s annual waste management plans, with advice on recycling best practice and how to reduce your waste management costs
  Contribution to meeting Ireland's EU packaging waste recycling targets.

Repak Members have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to achieving a greener, better environment for Ireland and being positive on waste prevention. The alternative to joining Repak is to Self Comply, see Repak’s website for further and more detailed information on Repak’s activities and how to apply for membership.