Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

432 Chapter 15: Circular Economy and Waste Key chapter messages 1. Ireland has a damaging linear economy characterised by the overconsumption of materials and goods and the growing volumes of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. While recycling tonnages are increasing, these increases are being cancelled out by the growing amount of waste generated. Current trends pose a high risk of not meeting mandatory recycling targets. The challenge for Ireland is to reverse these trends and significantly reduce waste production. 2. Ireland’s capacity to collect and treat waste is vulnerable and underperforming, with an over-reliance on other countries to treat our recycling materials, general municipal and hazardous wastes. 3. Systemic change is needed to accelerate the transition to an accessible, fair and affordable circular economy. Effective regulation, incentives and enforcement are required to influence businesses and consumers to adopt best practices in production, supply, purchasing, use and reuse of goods, products and services.