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Ireland

Ireland

Figures for 2020 ·

Municipal waste
644 kg per capita
Incineration rate
42%
Recycling rate
41%
Landfill rate
16%

Ireland has witnessed significant developments in waste management, but increasing waste generation and stagnant recycling rates pose considerable challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • Ireland faces challenges in waste management due to rising waste generation and stagnant recycling rates.
  • Municipal waste generation per capita rose to 644 kg in 2020, significantly above the EU-27 average.
  • Recycling rates remain at 41%, falling short of EU targets, while landfill rates have improved due to energy recovery.
  • Legislative measures like the Waste Action Plan and Circular Economy Act aim to enhance waste management and recycling.
  • Ireland’s commitment to circular economy strategies seeks to reduce waste and improve sustainability by 2030.
Key data
Municipal waste generated3.2 million t
Waste incinerated WtE Monitor+Available with WtE Monitor+
Packaging recycling rate WtE Monitor+Available with WtE Monitor+
Key legislation WtE Monitor+Available with WtE Monitor+

Largest plants in Ireland

1 plant in Ireland (200 kt/a in the database)

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