Three in 10 (29%) people have reported that their workplaces are failing to meet recycling laws, falling short of requirements for residual, mixed dry recyclable and bio-waste bins that have been in place since July 2023.

Repak is calling on businesses across Ireland to fulfil their recycling obligations by properly segregating waste through the three-bin system and adopting sustainable waste management practices.

Research from the recycling industry group shows that 40% of people report their workplace is either non-compliant with the national three-bin requirement or unsure of their compliance status.

In addition to the 29% who acknowledge their workplace is non-compliant, 11% were uncertain about whether their workplace meets the required standards. The research surveyed 2,000 people and was conducted by 3Gem in August. 

“Every business in Ireland has a duty to meet the three-bin requirement, not just because it is a legal requirement, but because it is critical to Ireland’s environmental goals," said Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak.

"By failing to recycle properly, workplaces are not only failing to meet commercial recycling regulations but are also undermining Ireland’s efforts to create a circular economy and achieve future EU recycling targets.”

“We believe workplaces can lead the charge toward sustainability and Resolve to Recycle Better initiative is designed to support them every step of the way," Kavanagh added.

"This January, we are calling on businesses to Resolve to Recycle Better and become compliant with Ireland’s three-bin policy.”

The three-bin system aligns commercial waste management practices with residential standards and ensures compliance with Regulation 5 of the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014.

Since July 2023, every business in Ireland must have bins for residual waste, mixed dry recyclables, and bio-waste. This facilitates the proper segregation of packaging waste by material type.

Repak is urging businesses to take immediate action by: ensuring proper segregation of waste using the national three-bin system; accessing free resources and compliance guidelines available at repak.ie; and taking advantage of Repak’s support programs, which offer guidance to improve recycling programmes.

The call comes after a drop in commercial recycling on plastic in 2024 despite a €1m increase in funding. The trend point to a gap in workplace recycling practices.

Ireland’s 2025 recycling targets require the country to recycle at least 55% of all plastic packaging waste, and Repak said businesses are pivotal in achieving these goals.

To complement its 'Resolve to Recycle…Better' campaign, Repak is continuing its 'Prevent and Save Programme', which is designed to help businesses reduce waste and optimise packaging materials.

This initiative encourages companies to reduce unnecessary packaging, transition to recyclable and reusable materials, and adopt lightweight and sustainable packaging alternatives.

Photo: (l-r) Zoe Kavanagh and Minister of State Ossian Smyth launching Repak's Plastic Pledge Report last summer. (Pic: Supplied)