Repak announced that Irish residents are expected to recycle over 62,000 tonnes of waste this Easter, a 1.8% increase on 2023.
The data is based on a survey of 1,000 adults in Ireland by the environmental not-for-profit organisation.
Recyclable Packaging
Repak has reissued its guidance that all Easter egg packaging, including cardboard boxes, plastic moulds, chocolate trays and clean tin foil are placed in the recycling bin clean, dry and loose.
A majority of respondents (88%) said they felt confident in their recycling abilities when it came to Easter packaging.
However, just 59% said they would recycle all packaging from the Easter egg.
A quarter 25% said they would recycle the cardboard box and plastic insert, and 10% said they would only recycle the cardboard box.
Just 2% of those surveyed said they did not plan to recycle at all.
Repak reiterated the importance of recycling as its survey delved into the shopping habits of Irish consumers.
Over a third of shoppers (37%) are planning on buying three to five Easter eggs, and 25% plan to buy eight or more this year.
Over a quarter (28%) will buy at least one chocolate egg for themselves, with the same proportion hoping to receive at lease one.
‘A Concerted Effort’
Chief executive of Repak Séamus Clancy said, “Although many of us are excited to settle down for a long weekend of Easter festivities with friends and family, it is important to remember that this is a particularly busy time of year for waste operators across the country.
“It is wonderful to see that so many of us are confident in our recycling abilities with 88% having great intentions when it comes to waste management, but the research shows there are still some gaps in what we think can and can’t go in our recycling bin.
“This year we continue to encourage the public to play their part and segregate their waste correctly by ensuring only recyclable items go in the recycling bin clean, dry and loose.
Clancy concluded, “If we make a concerted effort as a team, we will be able to successfully contribute to a circular economy, protect our environment, and build on our recycling habits.”
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