What we do

Ireland’s Circular Economy Programme is the driving force for Ireland's move to a circular economy.  This Programme was established in 2021 and is led by the EPA.  It incorporates and builds upon the previous National Waste Prevention Programme to support national-level, strategic programmes to prevent waste and drive the circular economy in Ireland.  The vision for the Programme is an Ireland where the circular economy ensures that everyone uses less resources and prevents waste to achieve sustainable economic growth. 

View Circular Economy Programme documents:

The Circular Economy Programme

The Circular Economy Programme Leaflet

Watch the Circular Economy Programme video

Circular Economy Programme Annual Report 2022

 

 

 

 

 

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Circular economy & you

Learn more about the Circular economy, what's happening and how you can play your part.

Browse by Circular economy

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Green Public Procurement

Green public procurement has an important role in Ireland’s move to a circular economy. The EPA supports GPP implementation through guidance, training, monitoring and reporting.

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Food waste

The national programme for food waste prevention is led by the EPA

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Circular Insights Series

The Circular Insights Series provides evidence and insights to inform policy and to support circular economy implementation.

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Behavioural Insights

Behavioural Insight is a foundation of the EPA's Circular Economy Programme, providing evidence to inform policy, to inform behavioural change interventions and to inform awareness campaigns.

Latest publications in Circular Economy

Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027
Circular Economy Programme Annual Report 2022

Circular Economy Programme Annual Report 2022

This report sets out our key activities and highlights for 2022

Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027
The Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027

The Driving Force for Ireland's Move to a Circular Economy

Ireland’s Circular Economy Programme (2021 to 2027) is the driving force for Ireland's move to a circular economy. The vision for the Programme, which is led by the EPA, is an Ireland where the circular economy ensures that everyone uses less resources and prevents waste to achieve sustainable economic growth.

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EPA National Waste Management Plan 2021 - 2027

The Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) for the Republic of Ireland covering a six-year period from 2021 to 2027. It sets out the priorities to be pursued over the next six years and beyond to improve the prevention and management of hazardous waste. The purpose of this plan is to protect the environment and human health in Ireland through best-practice management of hazardous wastes.

Latest News and Press Releases

in: Circular Economy
EPA publishes national criteria that allow for the safe reuse of site-won asphalt (road planings) as a by-product

Date released: November 30, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published National By-Product Criteria for Site-Won Asphalt (road planings) from road developments.

Recycling rates slow as Ireland off track to meet key EU targets

Date released: November 27, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published the Circular Economy and Waste Statistics Highlights Report 2021. Ireland’s waste generation levels are continuing to rise and Ireland is failing to make sufficient inroads towards key EU recycling targets that apply from 2025 onwards.

EPA publishes national criteria for recycled aggregates

Date released: October 17, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published National End-of-Waste Criteria for Recycled Aggregates. The criteria apply to aggregates recycled from construction and demolition waste, including soil and stone, concrete, bricks and ceramics.

Latest Events in Circular Economy

Poster outlining date of food Waste Forum
Forum on Food Waste 2023

Countdown to 2030: Together against food waste Register for the event here

This online event is a national platform to bring policy leaders, businesses and experts from across the food supply chain together and provides a valuable network for information exchange on food waste prevention and reduction activities.

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Circular Economy Conference 2022

22nd September 2022

Sessions 1&2

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Circular Economy Conference 2022

22nd September 2022

Sessions 3&4