Only a third of Irish people understand the recycling process, according to Repak survey

Ireland's leading recycling company have unveiled research for Earth Day (April 22nd), revealing that just over a third of Irish residents 'confidently understand' the recycling process.

The survey of 1000 people points to a critical gap in Ireland’s recycling know-how, as only 33 per cent find recycling straightforward. 41 per cent of residents believe minor recycling errors don’t affect the overall process, revealing a significant misunderstanding of the impact that individual actions can have on the effectiveness of recycling.

Ireland is currently forecast to miss its 2025 EU target of recycling 50 per cent of all plastic packaging. For their latest campaign 'Don’t Waste World Earth Day', Repak encouraging people to separate all packaging into the correct bin and to make sure it is clean, dry and loose when placed in the recycling bin.

When asked how they would feel about Ireland missing its 2025 EU packaging targets, 34 per cent of respondents said they would feel disappointed, and 17% said they would feel frustrated. According to Repak, the key to achieving as close to these targets as possible is a collective effort from businesses as well as the wider public to double down on recycling and embed best practice recycling habits.  

Separating packaging into the correct bins (recycling, compost, general waste, glass, and plastic bottles/tin cans) is crucial to effective recycling. Despite almost nine in ten of those surveyed saying they felt confident in their recycling abilities, only half (52 per cent) answered correctly what items can go in the recycling bin.  

If all consumers and businesses made a concerted effort to separate their packaging and ensure it is clean, dry and loose when recycled, Ireland would make pivotal steps towards meeting EU targets and fostering a sustainable environment. By empowering more people with the knowledge and promoting responsible recycling practices, Repak said that Ireland can work towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of Repak said: “We’re at a critical point when it comes to our recycling habits. The research shows there’s a gap in our recycling knowledge, and a misunderstanding of how the smallest mistakes can have big impacts when it comes to the recycling process. To meet Ireland’s EU targets, we all need to play our part. Let’s take the opportunity for Earth Day and take a simple action to correctly separate and recycle packaging in the correct bins to support a greener Ireland.