Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are chemical substances that may occur in older electrical equipment such as transformers, capacitors and fluorescent lighting ballasts. PCBs are persistent organic pollutants and are extremely harmful to the environment and at higher levels, human health. Any equipment containing more than 5 litres of PCBs at a concentration of greater than 0.05% must be disposed of or decontaiminated in an environmentally sound manner by the 31st December 2010.
An updated PCB Management Plan, incorporating a code of practice for the in-use management of PCBs and PCB containing equipment was published in 2008 together with a national inventory of confirmed PCB holdings and suspect PCB holdings (i.e. equipment that could contain PCBs but for which no confirmatory testing has been carried out).
The EPA updated the National Inventory of PCB holdings in the Republic of Ireland in January 2010 based on information obtained from site surveys and notifications from holders of PCBs in 2009.
Please note that all holders of PCBs, used PCBs, or PCB contaminated equipment are legally obliged to notify the EPA of their possession of these holdings by the 1st September each year. This is especially important in 2010 with the impending deadline for removal of PCB equipment containing more than 5 litres of PCBs at a concentration of >0.05%.
Read the PCB Information Leaflet
Learn about the Management Plan for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) (August 2008).
Access the National PCB Large Holdings Inventory (updated November 2011)
Access the National PCB Small Holdings Inventory (updated January 2010)
Obtain the PCB Notification Form - March 2010
Read the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan
Check the relevant legislation
S.I. No. 163/1998 Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998
Council Directive 96/59/EC Disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCB/PCT)
