Ethan Clarke
Ireland's recycling rates have been showing a generally declining trend since 2013, with about 70% of plastic being burned instead of recycled. The country's recycling performance is at 36%, which is above the EU target of 22.5%. However, Ireland has the highest plastic waste generation in the EU, far higher than the average. To meet the EU's 2030 targets, Ireland must increase its plastic packaging recycling from 98,000 tonnes to 175,000 tonnes, which is a challenge as the country's recycling industry has an unknown worth. However, there have been some positive developments, such as the opening of the world's first commercial plastic waste-to-wax plant in Portlaoise and the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, which incentivizes the recycling of drink containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste generation in Ireland | Highest in the EU |
| Plastic recycling rate in Ireland | 36% |
| EU target for plastic recycling rate | 22.5% |
| Plastic waste generation per person in Ireland | 65kg |
| Percentage of plastic burned instead of recycled | 70% |
| Yearly plastic waste generation in Ireland | 1.1m tonnes |
| Yearly plastic waste recycled in Ireland | 39,000 tonnes |
| Year by which Ireland must increase its plastic packaging recycling to | 175,000 tonnes by 2030 |
| Percentage of plastic recycled abroad | Majority |
| Percentage of plastic recycled in Ireland | Small amount |
| Ireland's primary destination for plastic waste exports | China |
| Year in which China banned plastic waste imports | 2017 |
| Ireland's plastic recycling target by 2030 | Double the current amount |
| Ireland's population by 2030 | 5.6 million |
| Types of plastic Clean Ireland Recycling accepts | Soft and rigid |
| Types of plastic Clean Ireland Recycling produces | 18 |
| Deposit Return Scheme cost | 15-25 cents |
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What You'll Learn
Ireland's plastic recycling rate
In 2019, each person in Ireland generated about 229kg of waste packaging, of which 65kg was plastic. Of this plastic waste packaging, only 28% was recycled, while 62% of overall waste packaging was recycled. The remaining plastic was incinerated, with some of it being turned into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy recovery.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that Ireland is overly reliant on exporting waste for recycling and is not on track to meet mandatory EU recycling targets set for 2025. To address this issue, the EPA has recommended improving waste prevention, implementing a brown bin service for organic waste, and enhancing waste segregation practices by businesses and households.
However, there are positive developments in Ireland's recycling landscape. Clean Ireland Recycling has recently integrated advanced recycling technologies that can identify and segregate various types of plastics, accepting all plastics in household recycling bins. This breakthrough is expected to empower citizens to make a significant difference in reducing plastic waste.
By 2030, Ireland will have to double its plastic recycling rate under new, legally binding EU targets. This will require behavioural changes and a shift towards a more resource-efficient, circular economy.
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Plastic incineration
The share of municipal waste sent for incineration has increased significantly, rising from 4% in 2009 to 46% in 2019. This trend is concerning as it indicates a growing gap between Ireland's waste management practices and the ambitious new EU recycling targets set for 2025 and 2030. The EU targets require Ireland to recycle 50% of plastic waste by 2025 and double its plastic recycling rate to 56% by 2030.
The Phlastics Industries Association (PIA) has called on the government to support incineration as a means to deal with plastic waste unsuitable for recycling. They consider it an "efficient mechanism" for disposing of the significant amount of plastic waste generated in Ireland. However, critics argue that incineration releases harmful pollutants and contributes to climate change.
In recent years, Ireland has made some progress in addressing its plastic waste problem. The country has introduced a levy on non-recycled waste, charging €10 per tonne of waste incinerated or exported. This measure is intended to encourage consumers to reduce their waste and recycle more. Additionally, Ireland has started accepting soft plastics such as films and wraps in recycling bins and expanded brown bin services to households.
Despite these efforts, plastic incineration remains a prevalent issue in Ireland. The country continues to struggle with its high plastic waste generation and declining recycling rates. To meet the EU targets and reduce their environmental impact, Ireland needs to implement further measures to promote recycling, reduce plastic consumption, and develop sustainable waste management practices.
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Recycling technologies
Ireland's recycling technologies have been evolving to meet the country's ambitious recycling targets. The country's recycling rate for packaging waste reached 79% in 2012, the second-highest in the European Union behind Germany. However, to meet the EU's legally binding targets, Ireland must increase its plastic packaging recycling significantly by 2030.
To achieve these targets, Ireland has been investing in recycling technology and infrastructure. For example, advancements in technology at recycling facilities have allowed for the acceptance of soft plastics in household recycling bins. Clean Ireland Recycling, for instance, has integrated revolutionary technological advancements that enable the acceptance of all plastics, both soft and rigid, in household recycling. Their systems can accurately identify and segregate various plastic types, ensuring optimal recycling outcomes. This not only provides environmental benefits but also creates economic opportunities and jobs.
Another example of technological advancements in Ireland's recycling sector is the world's first commercial plastic waste-to-wax plant, which opened in Portlaoise. This plant represents a significant step forward in Ireland's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
Additionally, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, introduced into Irish law in 2005, has made Ireland the top country in Europe for electronics recycling. This directive requires retailers of electrical goods to provide free in-store take-back services for old electrical goods when customers buy new equipment. As a result, 30,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic waste were collected in 2008.
Furthermore, recycling facilities in Ireland, known as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), play a crucial role in sorting and processing recyclable materials. These facilities use both manual and mechanical methods to sort the waste, which is then baled and mostly sent abroad for further processing or recycling.
While Ireland has made notable progress in recycling technologies, there is still room for improvement. Reports suggest that around 87,000 tonnes of non-recyclable content ends up in recycling bins annually, and 20% of Irish plastics still end up in landfills or are incinerated. To address these issues, behavioural change, improved recycling infrastructure, and continued investment in technology are necessary.
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Recycling services
Ireland's recycling rates have been on a general decline since 2013, with about 70% of plastic being burned instead of recycled. The country's recycling performance is at 36%, which is above the EU target of 22.5%. However, to meet the new legally binding EU targets, Ireland will have to double its recycling rate by 2030.
Clean Ireland Recycling has recently announced a breakthrough, accepting all plastics, both soft and rigid, in household recycling bins. This is made possible by advanced technology that can identify and segregate various types of plastics, ensuring optimal recycling outcomes.
There are four types of permanent recycling facilities: bring banks, civic amenity sites, recycling centres, and kerbside collection. Bring banks are often located at supermarkets or car parks and accept items such as glass bottles and cans. Civic amenity sites accept a wider range of items and also provide recycling advice. Recycling centres have specific opening hours and tend to accept smaller items. Kerbside collection, or 'green bin' collection, is offered by waste companies and local authorities, collecting recyclable waste from the curb. Additionally, brown bins collection is available for food and organic waste, which can also be composted at home.
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Ireland's plastic waste generation
Ireland has the highest plastic waste generation in the EU, far exceeding the EU average. In 2019, about 229kg of waste packaging was generated per person, of which 65kg was plastic. The country's recycling rates have been on a general decline since 2013, with only 28% of plastic waste recycled in 2019, and about 70% of plastic waste burned instead.
Ireland's primary destination for plastic waste was China, but in 2017, China banned the import of packaging waste, causing a shake-up in the industry. Under new, legally binding EU targets, Ireland will have to double the amount of plastic it recycles by 2030. This means increasing its plastic packaging recycling from 98,000 tonnes to 175,000 tonnes.
To meet these targets, Ireland will need to adopt a more circular, recycle and reuse approach. This will require efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, producers of packaging, consumers, waste recovery operators, and Repak. Repak has introduced checks on the destination of recycled materials and is reviewing its members' fee structure to incentivize the use of more easily recyclable products.
Clean Ireland Recycling has also made significant strides in sustainability and environmental preservation by integrating advanced technological advancements. These systems can identify and segregate various types of plastics, ensuring optimal recycling outcomes. The company now accepts all plastics, both soft and rigid, in household recycling bins, making Ireland's recycling landscape more accessible and comprehensive for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
In Ireland, recycled plastic is either recycled back into usable material of the same type or sent abroad to be recycled. A small amount of plastic is recycled within the country, for example, it is turned into material for fleece jackets.
Ireland's current plastic recycling rate is 36%, which is above the EU target of 22.5%. However, according to the latest figures, only 28% of plastic generated in the country was recycled.
According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, about 229kg of waste packaging was generated per person in 2019, including 65kg of plastic.
