Did you know?
Carlow & Kilkenny County Council’s are adopting Ireland’s First Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy
A first of-its-kind national plan adopted by local government aims to stop waste growth over the next six years, preventing over a quarter of a million tonnes of waste.
- The plan warns Ireland’s current waste generation rates are unsustainable and have a direct impact on our climate and the use of precious raw materials.
- A roadmap to a more circular economy is provided, including increased waste prevention, more recycling, and improved reuse and repair practices.
- This new plan also recommends additional State investment of €40 million to achieve the desired outcomes.
Ireland’s first National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy aims to tackle the significant waste challenges faced in Ireland and provides a new framework for the prevention and management of waste from 2024 to 2030.
How much waste are we currently generating?
3.2 million tonnes of municipal waste was generated in Ireland in 2021. That’s equivalent to 644kg per person. The European average is 527kg per person.
- 41% of waste in Ireland is currently recycled versus a current European Union target of 50% with an increased target of 55% by 2025 and 60% by 2030
- 753,00 tonnes of food waste was generated in Ireland in 2021. The target is to halve this waste by 2030.
- 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste was generated in Ireland in 2021 with 58% recycled compared to the European Union target of 55% however only 28% of plastic packaging was recycled with a target of 50% by 2025.
- An estimated 170,000 tonnes of textile waste is generated in Ireland per year. This equates to 35 kg per person per year – or three and a half carry on airline bags.
The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy is replacing the existing Regional Waste Management Plans and will be managed by the three Regional Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities on behalf of the Local Government Sector.
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