Irish people are expected to recycle over 60,900 tonnes of packaging waste this Easter.
That's according to new research from the environmental not-for-profit organisation Repak.
This Easter, 94% of people surveyed say they will make a conscious effort to recycle Easter packaging correctly.
Cardboard boxes, plastic moulds and clean tin foil are just some of the many items households will see pile up over the Easter weekend that can all go into the recycling bin once clean, dry and loose.
Ireland currently recycles 33% of all plastics, but that needs to increase to 50% by 2025 to achieve plastic recycling targets the EU has set for coming years.
Who is buying what?
The survey of 1,000 adults found that 88% admit recyclable packaging is not the most important consideration when it comes to buying an Easter egg, with 51% focusing on the type of chocolate.
Some 74% say healthy eating will take a back seat in favour of indulging in sweet treats.
Easter eggs remain the gift of choice for 62% of people, but 35% plan to buy alternative gifts.
Toys come out on top for those looking for alternative gifts (30%), followed by a card (23%), baked goods or other confectionery (21%), handmade gifts (17%) and a hamper (14%).
For the traditionalists, 32% of people plan to buy five or more eggs.
Easter eggs for sale on the shelves of Tesco in Jervis Street, Dublin in 2005. Picture by: RollingNews.ieWhen it comes to spending, 60% plan to spend the same as they did in previous years. 32% plan to spend between €21 to €40, and 31% plan to spend between €10 to €20 on Easter eggs.
Milk chocolate is the most popular Easter egg people hope to receive (78%) - followed by white chocolate (18%), dark chocolate (17%) and plant-based or vegan (4%).
Almost one-third expect to receive two eggs, while one-in-five (22%) expect to receive one.
Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak, said: "While many of us are preparing to settle down to a relaxing long weekend and indulge in Easter eggs, waste operators across Ireland will be anticipating a heavy influx of packaging following Easter celebrations.
"By placing all recyclable items in the recycling bin clean, dry, and loose, we will be supporting their work.
"As now all plastics can go in the recycling bin, we have a great opportunity to help reach Ireland’s ambitious future plastic recycling target of 50% of all plastic by 2025, set by the EU," he added.
