What is Article 27 in Ireland? | Construction By-Product Guide
Article 27 refers to the classification of certain construction materials as a by-product rather than waste under Irish waste regulations.
In simple terms, it allows material such as soil or stone to be reused on another site legally, provided specific conditions are met.
This is commonly used on construction projects to reduce disposal costs and avoid unnecessary waste removal — but it must be done correctly to remain compliant.
When is Article 27 Required?
Article 27 is typically required when:
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Material is being removed from a site and reused elsewhere
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The material is not classified as waste
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There is a clear and defined reuse locatio
Common examples:
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Excavated soil reused on another development
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Stone or fill material transferred between sites
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Surplus material being used for landscaping or groundworks
If these materials are not properly classified, they may be treated as waste, requiring disposal at a licensed facility.
Key Requirements for Compliance
To qualify under Article 27, materials must:
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Be suitable for further use without additional processing
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Have a clear and intended use
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Be used in a lawful and controlled manner
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Not pose a risk to human health or the environment
Documentation and traceability are critical — this is where most issues arise.
Common Issues on Construction Sites
Based on site experience and inspections, common problems include:
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No Article 27 reference linked to material movement
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Muck away dockets missing key information
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Unclear or unverified destination sites
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No record of material volumes or tracking
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Confusion between waste and by-product classification
These issues can lead to queries from local authorities and potential compliance risks.
Muck Away & Traceability
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Even when operating under Article 27, full traceability is required.
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This includes:
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Tracking where material comes from
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Recording where it is going
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Confirming the receiving site is appropriate
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Keeping clear and organised records
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A muck away register is essential to demonstrate compliance and provide evidence if requested.
Why Article 27 Matters
Using Article 27 correctly can:
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Reduce disposal and transport costs
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Allow reuse of valuable material
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Improve environmental performance
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Avoid unnecessary use of landfill or recovery facilities
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However, incorrect use or poor record keeping can create compliance issues and delays.
How We Can Help
At Coffey Construction Compliance, we provide practical support to ensure Article 27 processes are set up correctly and managed on site.
This includes:
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Setting up muck away tracking systems
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Supporting Article 27 compliance processes
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Verifying destinations and documentation
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Ensuring records are organised and audit-ready
FAQ's
Do I always need Article 27?
No — it depends on whether the material is being reused as a by-product or treated as waste.
What happens if I don’t use Article 27 correctly?
Material may be classified as waste, meaning it must go to a licensed facility and could raise compliance issues & Cost more to dispose of
Do I still need a muck away register?
Yes — tracking material movement is essential for demonstrating compliance.