Ireland is well advanced in achieving most EU waste recovery and recycling targets. However, continued effort is required to direct biodegradable waste from landfill, in order to meet the first Landfill Directive target due in July 2010. Regional Waste Management Plans outline the infrastructure that should be put in place to meet the needs of a growing population and economy.
You can reduce the waste you produce by using less, reusing more and recycling what you can. This will reduce the need for landfills and help save energy and our natural resources.
In 2008, a total of 3.22 million tonnes of municipal waste was generated in Ireland, a decrease of 5 per cent since 2007. The national target of 35 per cent recycling of municipal waste by 2013 has been achieved (37.5% in 2008). Learn more about municipal waste.
In Ireland, the packaging waste recovery rate was 65 per cent in 2008. This exceeds the EU 2011 recovery target of 60 per cent. Learn more about packaging waste.
In 2008 there were 1,989 bring banks in operation collecting 102,300 tonnes of waste in Ireland. Ninety-six civic amenity sites collected 200,455 tonnes of waste in 2008. Learn more about bring banks and civic amenity sites.
Waste management in Ireland is still greatly dependent on landfill as a means of waste disposal although recovery of waste is increasing. Learn more about municipal waste infrastructure.
Find out what you can do.
