Local authorities will today set out an ‘ambitious’ plan to cut waste by 300,000 tonnes over the next six years. 

The new Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 aims to increase the number of waste items in Ireland that are recycled, repaired or reused. 

A circular economy is defined as a society in which everything that is used is reused, repaired or recycled. 

It reduces pressure on the planet’s diminishing natural resources while also cutting carbon emissions.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Regional Waste Coordinator Connacht Ulster Kevin Swift described it as a “significant step” for local authorities. 

“It starts with the big ambition of 0% waste growth per person over the lifetime of the plan,” he said. 

“We believe that if we can achieve that, we’ll reduce the total amount of waste arriving by around 300,000 tonnes - or the equivalent of five Ulysses car ferries. 

“It’s a big number.”

Food waste. Alamy.com

Mr Swift said the plan sets out a number of ways in which it hopes people will cut the amount of waste they produce. 

“We’re targeting reductions in the amount of waste that people put in their black bin particularly,” he said. 

“We’re targeting reductions in the amount of waste coming from the construction sector - that’s a big one. 

“We’re targeting increases in compliance in the quality of material people put in their bins - both domestically and commercially. 

“That’s very important because the cleaner and drier and loser we get material, the more circular future that it might have.” 

A bin lorry and bin men on a residential street.

During the consultation phase, the plan received over 1,500 submissions  from the public and a further 380 after it was drafted. 

Mr Swift believes this demonstrates a strong demand for higher rates of recycling.

“People in the consultation process are saying they recognise that we need to do more with less,” he said. 

“They recognise that we need to reuse more and they recognise that they want to repair more as well. 

“This all speaks to a move to a more circular economy.” 

Rubbish bags piled up in front of bins.

For individuals who are keen to play their part in reducing waste in Irish society, Mr Swift advised them to simply make sure they are doing the basics well. 

“If you are presenting waste, we would like you to present it in the best segregated fashion that you possibly can,” he said. 

“Our mantra is always when you’re presenting waste for recycling is clean, dry and loose.” 

The EU has set member states a target of reaching a recycling rate of 55% by 2025. 

Last year, Ireland recycled 41% of all waste but the Government hopes to the new deposit return scheme will increase that figure.

Main image: A worker checks the mountains of plastic bottles compressed into blocks at the Panda Recycling plant in Dublin, 30-04-2018. Image: RollingNews