Repak Kicks Of New Year With ‘Resolve To Recycle Better’ Campaign

By Sarah O'Sullivan
Repak Kicks Of New Year With ‘Resolve To Recycle Better’ Campaign

Repak is calling on households and businesses to start 2025 with a pledge to ‘resolve to recycle – better’ and improve recycling rates.

Last year, Repak conducted a Recycling Knowledge Audit which found that some 47% of Irish adults admitted uncertainty when it comes to what can and cannot be recycled.

This showed that, despite good intentions, knowledge and understanding presented a significant obstacle to reaching national recycling goals.

Based on these findings, Repak launched its new campaign – Resolve to Recycle… Better – which targets everyday moments of hesitation that often happens when recycling and results in mistakes and missed opportunities.

From rinsing a foil tray or ensuring a yoghurt pot is free from food residue – these actions can play a vital role in helping Ireland reach its recycling targets.

ADVERTISEMENT

How To Recycle Better

Repak has advised consumers that, when in doubt, they should ask ‘is this clean, dry and loose?’

If so, it belongs in the recycling bin. Clean means free from food waste, dry means it won’t dampen or contaminate other recyclables, and loose means placing items directly in the bin without a bin bag or liner.

In addition to clean, dry, loose, Repak has highlighted three additional points to note.

  • Learn what goes where: Paper, cardboard, plastics and metals are recyclable, but watch out for contaminants like food residue or mixed materials (such as bubble-lined envelopes).
  • Leverage local recycling centres: For items like glass, batteries, and electronics, bring them to a civic amenity sites instead of disposing of them in the household bin.
  • Make it a family affair: Post a simple recycling guide in your kitchen and encourage accountability across all household members.

Change The Conversation

Repak noted that the campaign is not just about improving recycling rates, but creating a mindset shift that makes recycling easier, more intuitive and habit-forming as Ireland tackles the growing challenge of waste contamination.

The campaign will also highlight how small improvements can make a big difference in Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since the results of the audit were uncovered in September, Repak has been working to tackle the gap, where 86% of people say they feel a sense of responsibility for their recycling, while only about 63% follow through, especially when a task requires extra effort or knowledge.

Speaking about the campaign, the CEO of Repak Zoë Kavanagh said, “Our research reveals that recycling habits often falter in moments of doubt.

“Standing in front of three bins, unsure where that greasy pizza box or that foil lid foes, is a common scenario for many.

“Through ‘Resolve to Recycle – Better’,  we’re equipping people with the tools, tips and confidence to close the gap between knowing and doing.

“Small changes – when done at scale – can drive big results for Ireland’s circular economy.”

Read More: Repak Calls For National Effort To Close Knowledge Gap With Audit Findings

Stay Connected With Our Weekly Newsletter

Processing your request...

Thanks! please check your email to confirm your subscription.