Ireland’s waste increases by more than 20% in past decade

David Flynn, Director of the EPA, said the report showed progress towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair and repurposing before recycling, had stalled.

“Current measures to prevent waste, to promote reuse and to encourage recycling are not enough to meet mandatory municipal waste and plastic packaging targets.

“The challenge for Ireland is to reverse these trends and significantly reduce waste production and increase reuse and recycling.

“Strong implementation of existing policies and the introduction of new measures that support investment in new circular economy infrastructure will help move us away from a wasteful linear economy.”

Reuse and recovery of materials were high in the construction sector (82%).

The sector has a target of recovering 70% of materials, mostly through back filling or land restoration.