The next government must do more to tackle the State’s stagnant recycling rates, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s climate and biodiversity spokesperson, said:
“According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland is almost certain to miss mandatory EU recycling targets that will apply from 2025.
“The EPA’s Circular Economy and Waste Statistics Highlights Report 2022 found that this country generated 15.7 million tonnes of waste, which represents a 20 per cent increase in the space of 10 years. However, despite the growth in waste, Ireland’s recycling rate has not improved in a decade.
“Based on the report’s figures, Ireland has a mountain to climb if we are to hit the EU’s recycling targets for municipal, packaging and plastic packaging waste from next year, and avoid millions in fines.
“It is deeply concerning the EPA notes that current measures to prevent waste, promote reuse and encourage recycling are not enough to allow Ireland meet its targets from next year.
“The next government must intensify efforts to increase our recycling rates as part of Ireland’s transition from a linear to circular economy.”
December 16, 2024