EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Chapter 9: Waste A Circular Economy The government can leverage a circular economy approach and influence behaviour change through multiple activities: policy signals, legislation, national targets, economic levies, restrictions on placing on the market, improved labelling, extended producer responsibility, and incentivising new circular economy business models and initiatives to reduce consumption of single-use items. While it is a challenge to influence citizens to change their consumption and waste management behaviours, there is increasing public appetite, as evidenced by citizen-led sustainability initiatives. The level of environmental taxes is low in Ireland and the plans to introduce for new levies under new waste policy is welcomed – we know that the existing landfill and plastic bag levies have been important drivers of change. GPP also has significant potential for the public sector to show leadership in procuring sustainable products and services. Waste and the Pandemic The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on waste in Ireland is yet to be determined. Initial data indicate that waste management services operated well, although reports of illegal dumping and backyard burning increased. Waste Policy and Planning This is a pivotal time, as A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy is published by government, circular economy legislation is being transposed into national law and national waste management and prevention plans are in a review phase. Ireland has the opportunity to introduce systemic change in waste management through policy and planning to drive circular economy and climate action in Ireland. While plans and programmes provide important frameworks, statutory obligations and targets are needed to drive change, as well as effective enforcement and penalties to deter illegal behaviours. We have shown our capacity in the past to be innovative, creative and open to change in terms of waste prevention and management. We have the potential through this next phase of change to positively impact not only our terrestrial and marine environments but also our health and wellbeing. 251