What we do

Ireland’s Circular Economy Programme is the driving force for Ireland's move to a circular economy.  This Programme was established in 2021 and is led by the EPA.  It incorporates and builds upon the previous National Waste Prevention Programme to support national-level, strategic programmes to prevent waste and drive the circular economy in Ireland.  The vision for the Programme is an Ireland where the circular economy ensures that everyone uses less resources and prevents waste to achieve sustainable economic growth. 

View Circular Economy Programme documents:

The Circular Economy Programme

The Circular Economy Programme Leaflet

Watch the Circular Economy Programme video

Circular Economy Programme Annual Report 2023

 

 

icon three arrows in a circle

Circular economy & you

Learn more about the Circular economy, what's happening and how you can play your part.

Browse by Circular economy

light bulb with a plant inside

Green Public Procurement

Green public procurement has an important role in Ireland’s move to a circular economy. The EPA supports GPP implementation through guidance, training, monitoring and reporting.

icon food waste

Food waste

The national programme for food waste prevention is led by the EPA

Icon show an upward trend graph with a magnifying glass

Circular Insights Series

The Circular Insights Series provides evidence and insights to inform policy and to support circular economy implementation.

Latest publications in Circular Economy

Logo & title of report
Circular Economy Programme Annual Report 2023

This report sets out our key activities and highlights for 2023

Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027
The Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027

The Driving Force for Ireland's Move to a Circular Economy

Ireland’s Circular Economy Programme (2021 to 2027) is the driving force for Ireland's move to a circular economy. The vision for the Programme, which is led by the EPA, is an Ireland where the circular economy ensures that everyone uses less resources and prevents waste to achieve sustainable economic growth.

National Hazardous Waste Management Plan image
EPA National Waste Management Plan 2021 - 2027

The Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) for the Republic of Ireland covering a six-year period from 2021 to 2027. It sets out the priorities to be pursued over the next six years and beyond to improve the prevention and management of hazardous waste. The purpose of this plan is to protect the environment and human health in Ireland through best-practice management of hazardous wastes.

Latest News and Press Releases

in: Circular Economy
Ireland is wasting over one million meals a day

Date released: June 27, 2024

New figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today show that over 750,000 tonnes of food waste was generated in Ireland in 2022.

EPA report shows low uptake of Green Public Procurement in government department contracts.

Date released: April 25, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its third report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) activity in government departments.

EPA publishes national criteria that allow for the safe reuse of site-won asphalt (road planings) as a by-product

Date released: November 30, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published National By-Product Criteria for Site-Won Asphalt (road planings) from road developments.

Latest Events in Circular Economy

Poster outlining date of food Waste Forum
Forum on Food Waste 2023

Countdown to 2030: Together against food waste Register for the event here

This online event is a national platform to bring policy leaders, businesses and experts from across the food supply chain together and provides a valuable network for information exchange on food waste prevention and reduction activities.

Circular Economy Conference 2022 image
Circular Economy Conference 2022

22nd September 2022

Sessions 1&2

Circular Economy Conference 2022 image
Circular Economy Conference 2022

22nd September 2022

Sessions 3&4