DUBLIN, April 29, 2026 — The Irish Farm Film Producers’ Group has agreed to implement changes to Ireland’s farm plastics recycling scheme following discussions with the European Commission Directorate‑General for Competition over potential competition concerns.
Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will oversee the implementation of the changes, which aim to improve transparency, strengthen competition and increase choice for farmers using the recycling scheme.
Concerns over recycling scheme rules
The discussions began in early 2024 after market participants raised concerns about aspects of the scheme’s operation that could affect competition and market access for farmers and waste collectors.
Under Irish waste management rules, producers and suppliers of farm plastics—such as silage wrap, pit covers and netting—must ensure that the waste generated by their products is collected and recycled. The IFFPG operates Ireland’s national recycling programme through a network of bring centres and authorised waste collectors.
Key changes to improve competition
Following engagement with EU competition officials, IFFPG agreed to a series of adjustments to the scheme.
Among the changes:
- Members will no longer be required to pass the recycling levy down the supply chain, allowing producers to decide independently whether and how much of the cost is passed on to customers.
- Authorised waste collectors may charge less than the recommended collection fee, introducing greater price flexibility for farmers.
- Barcode requirements have been removed as proof of levy payment, though farmers must still provide a product label code to demonstrate a legal purchase of farm plastics.
- Farmers will continue to be able to use any bring centre nationwide, regardless of county boundaries.
Monitoring by Irish competition authority
The CCPC said it will monitor how the commitments are implemented and will assess any future changes arising from discussions between the scheme and the European Commission.
The changes are intended to ensure the recycling programme operates in compliance with Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, which prohibit anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant positions.
Officials said the reforms aim to preserve the environmental objectives of the recycling scheme while ensuring fair competition among producers, collectors and other participants in the farm plastics market.
