Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

430 Chapter 15: Circular Economy and Waste 6. Conclusions Ireland’s economy is characterised by high consumption, one of the highest in Europe, and high volumes of waste generated per capita. Central Statistics Office data showing the domestic consumption of various material categories in the Irish economy since 2012 confirm a direct correlation between rising material consumption and increased waste generation (Figure 15.16). Figure 15.16  Domestic material consumption and total waste generation (million tonnes), 2012–2021 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Domestic Material Comsumption and Total Waste Generation Domestic material consumption (million tonnes) Non-Metallic Minerals Waste generation (million tonnes) Biomass Fossil Fuels Metallic Minerals Other Products Total Waste Generation 0 5 10 15 20 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Source: EPA, 2023b In 2021, high levels of waste generation were recorded in key waste streams such as construction and demolition waste, which increased by 10%, and packaging waste, which increased by 9%, compared with 2020. As discussed throughout this chapter, our current economic model is a damaging one, characterised by overconsumption of materials and goods, growing volumes of waste and supply chain emissions, biodiversity loss and water stress. Lowering consumption will help to reduce the emissions damaging our environment, including waste emissions. We need to recognise that our current economic model and culture of consumption is negatively impacting our society, the health of people and our environment. Previous indicators of economic prosperity, focused largely on gross domestic product and wealth, need to be broadened to encompass the health and vitality of our society, the environment in which we live and the economic prosperity of national businesses trading alongside international companies. We need to reframe our view of economic growth beyond one of being solely a measure of gross domestic product and consider climate, environmental and social indicators. We need to interrogate the complex questions about continued and damaging economic growth as the primary policy driver and measure of success against a background of climate change, biodiversity loss, water stress and depletion of natural resources. A circular economy strives to minimise the consumption of new and virgin materials while increasing the reuse and use of secondary or recycled materials. In 2022, Ireland’s circular material use rate of 1.8% was well below the European average of 11.5% and far behind the 33% of the best performing Member State, the Netherlands. There is an urgent need for systemic change to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by normalising the right behaviours through effective regulation, incentives and enforcement.