Recycling In Ireland: How Much Plastic Is Actually Recycled?

Ireland is the top producer of plastic waste in Europe, generating an average of 61kg per person every year. In 2015, Ireland generated 282,148 tonnes of plastic packaging waste, with China accepting 95% of this waste in 2016. However, China's ban on the importation of plastic waste from EU countries in 2018 meant that Ireland had to find alternative ways to deal with its plastic waste. As a result, Ireland has made significant strides in recycling and recovery, surpassing all EU targets for recycling and recovery in 2017, 2019 and 2022. Despite these achievements, Ireland must increase its plastic packaging recycling by as much as 80% by 2030 to meet strict EU targets.

Ireland's plastic waste recycling is exported

Ireland produces more than 14 million tonnes of waste every year. In 2015, 282,148 tonnes of this waste was plastic packaging waste. In 2016, China accepted 7 million tonnes of the world's plastic scrap, with 95%-97% of Irish plastic waste being sent there. However, in 2018, China banned the importation of plastic waste from EU countries, meaning that Ireland could no longer export its plastic waste to China.

Since the Chinese ban, Ireland has had to find alternative ways to deal with its plastic waste. In 2019, Ireland recycled 33% of its plastic waste, a higher percentage than most EU countries. However, to meet EU targets, Ireland will need to increase this figure to 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030. Repak, Ireland's only government-approved recycling compliance scheme, has been instrumental in helping the country surpass EU recycling targets. In 2022, Repak surpassed all EU-mandated recycling targets and delivered on all key compliance, communication, and financial objectives.

Despite these successes, Ireland still faces challenges in reducing its plastic waste production. In 2022, Ireland generated over 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste, with more than half of this waste coming from plastic. While some of this plastic waste is recycled or incinerated, a significant portion still ends up in landfills or the ocean, contributing to environmental pollution.

To address this issue, individuals, industries, and the government need to work together to reduce plastic waste production and improve recycling habits. Initiatives such as the Plastic Pledge and the Pakman Awards are helping to reduce plastic packaging and recognize excellence in recycling and waste management. Additionally, Ireland has introduced a plastic bag levy, which has significantly reduced plastic bag litter. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.

Plastic waste in Ireland is incinerated

Ireland is the top producer of plastic waste in Europe, generating an average of 61 kg per person every year. In 2015, Ireland generated 282,148 tonnes of plastic packaging waste. Up to 2017, 97% of Irish plastic was sent to China, but after China banned the import of packaging waste in 2017, Ireland lost its primary destination for plastic waste.

The latest data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that only 28% of plastic bottles, containers, and wrappings are recycled, while the remaining 72% (almost 350,000 tonnes of plastic) is burned in incinerators along with non-recyclable waste. This figure is growing and is cause for concern as it means Ireland is falling further away from the mandatory EU requirement to recycle 50% of plastic waste by 2025.

The EPA has warned that urgent measures are needed to reduce the quantity of packaging waste, as the current rate of production and consumption of packaging in Ireland represents a poor use of materials and energy and is a growing source of emissions. The EPA has also noted that the diversion to energy recovery (incineration) is happening due to poor segregation of waste at businesses and homes, and challenges in finding financially viable markets for lightweight and low-quality plastics.

The Poolbeg Incinerator in Dublin is one example of an incineration facility in Ireland. Non-recyclable, residual packaging waste is incinerated and turned into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), which is used to produce heat or electricity. While incineration is considered better than landfill, the EPA has emphasized that recycling is the preferred option, and Ireland needs to intensify efforts to reduce packaging waste.

Plastic waste in Ireland goes to landfills

Ireland produces more than 14 million tonnes of waste every year. In 2017, over 1 million tonnes of this waste was packaging waste, which included food wrappers, milk cartons, plastic bottles, etc. While the majority of plastic is recycled abroad, a small amount is recycled in Ireland. For example, some plastic is recycled into material for fleece jackets. However, in 2018, China banned the importation of plastic waste from EU countries, which posed a significant challenge for Ireland as it was the primary destination for Irish plastic waste. As a result, Ireland has had to find alternative ways to deal with its plastic waste.

In 2022, Ireland generated over 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste, with plastic being the second-largest component after paper and cardboard. The recycling rate for packaging waste in Ireland has decreased in recent years, with the country recycling 60% of its packaging waste in 2022, down from 67% in 2016. While recycling is the preferred option, some non-recyclable residual packaging waste is incinerated and turned into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to produce heat or electricity. This is considered better than simply throwing it into landfills.

Despite these efforts, plastic waste remains a significant issue in Ireland. In 2015, the country generated 282,148 tonnes of plastic packaging waste. Ireland is the top producer of plastic waste in Europe, generating an average of 61kg per person every year, almost double that of the UK. Up to 97% of Irish plastic waste was sent to China until 2017, highlighting the country's inability to deal with it domestically. While the exact percentage of plastic waste going to landfills in Ireland is unclear, it is evident that a substantial amount of plastic waste is not being recycled or incinerated.

To address this issue, Ireland has implemented initiatives to prevent plastic waste and promote circular economy activities. The Local Authority Prevention Network funds local authorities to install public drinking water fonts and green festivals/events to reduce single-use plastic products. The country has also introduced a deposit return scheme to increase plastic packaging recycling and reduce the contribution owed to the EU for non-recycled plastic waste. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on its website about simple steps individuals can take to reduce their plastic waste, such as refusing single-use plastics and using reusable alternatives.

Ireland's plastic waste recycling targets

Ireland is the top producer of plastic waste in Europe, generating an average of 61 kg per person every year, almost double that of the UK. In 2015, Ireland generated 282,148 tonnes of plastic packaging waste. While Ireland currently recycles 33-34% of all plastics, this figure needs to rise to 50% in 2025 and 55% by 2030 to meet EU targets.

In 2017, Ireland produced over 1 million tonnes of packaging waste for the first time, which was just one part of the 2.7 million tonnes of municipal waste in total. The latest figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that 66% of that packaging waste is recycled and 87% is recovered, which exceeds current EU targets. However, the majority of plastic is recycled abroad, with only a small amount recycled in Ireland.

Up to 2017, China accepted the vast majority of Ireland's plastic waste exports. However, a Chinese ban on the importation of plastic waste from EU countries in 2018 meant that Ireland could no longer export its plastic waste. This posed a significant challenge for the country as one of the largest producers of plastic waste in the European Union.

To meet its plastic waste recycling targets, Ireland must increase its plastic packaging recycling by as much as 80% by 2030. This will require a concerted effort from individuals, industry, and the government to reduce plastic waste production and improve recycling habits.

Plastic waste reduction in Ireland

Ireland is the top producer of plastic waste in Europe, generating an average of 61 kg per person each year, almost double the UK's production. In 2015, Ireland generated 282,148 tonnes of plastic packaging waste, with China accepting 95% of this waste in 2016. However, China's ban on importing plastic waste from EU countries in 2018 meant that Ireland had to find alternative ways to manage its plastic waste.

The majority of plastic is recycled abroad, with only a small amount recycled in Ireland. In 2017, Ireland recycled 34% of its plastic waste, surpassing the EU target of 30%. However, to meet future EU targets, Ireland must increase its plastic packaging recycling to 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030.

To reduce plastic waste in Ireland, individuals can take several measures:

• Refuse single-use plastics: Say no to plastic straws, coffee stirrers, cutlery, and water cups. Bring your own reusable cup, straw, or cutlery when possible.
• Reduce packaging waste: Buy loose fruit and vegetables, and choose products with paper or cardboard packaging. Ask supermarkets and butchers to offer items in bulk and bring your own containers.
• Reuse and recycle: Use durable bags, such as canvas or cotton bags, instead of single-use plastic bags. Recycle plastic bottles, cans, and paper at designated recycling points.
• Support initiatives: Participate in campaigns like "Shop and Drop," urging people to leave packaging in supermarkets. Support businesses that use sustainable packaging and recycling practices.

Businesses and the government also have a role to play in reducing plastic waste. Repak, Ireland's government-approved recycling compliance scheme, plays a vital role in funding the collection of household recycling bins and promoting recycling initiatives. Additionally, the introduction of a plastic bag levy in Ireland significantly reduced plastic bag litter, with surveys indicating a shift towards the use of long-life bags.

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