Ireland Needs to Create Less Waste

We can do more with less

We have to value products, materials and resources more as waste is causing huge environmental challenges. We need a sea change in attitude. We have to minimise our waste, as this is an essential part of Ireland’s plans to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy.

Ireland has to develop a strategic approach on plastics and chemicals, and we need to ensure that funds available under the EU’s Horizon 2020 and structural funds have targeted action in areas such as plastics, food waste, construction, critical raw materials, industrial and mining waste, consumption and public procurement.

Fianna Fáil’s plan to reduce waste

Put realistic targets into law

We will set the following targets:
– That 65% of municipal waste is recycled by 2030;
– That recycling 75% of packaging waste is recycled by 2030;
– Reduce landfill to maximum of 10% of municipal waste by 2030;
– And a ban on landfilling of separately collected waste.
Increase capacity for recycling

Build capacity in waste facilities for anaerobic digestion, hazardous waste treatment, plastics processing, recycling, waste-to-energy, and landfill and landfill remediation, to meet these objectives.
Circular Economy Taskforce

Introduce a Circular Economy Taskforce which would develop a detailed strategy to support Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.
Increase funding

Double funding for the National Waste Prevention Programme over 5 years.
EU funding

Aggressively pursue EU structural funds available through the EU Circular Economy Package.
Innovation

Double the Innovation for a Circular Economy fund.