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

National Waste Prevention Programme Annual Report 2020

National Waste Prevention Programme Annual Report 2021

National Waste Prevention Programme Annual Report 2021 highlights

 

 

 

 

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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

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Green Public Procurement: Monitoring and Reporting by government Departments 2020

This is the first report on GPP activity by Government Departments, collating and analysing data for the year 2020. The report presents an overview of the process, monitoring and reporting requirements, data collected and a summary of the findings.

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 calls for measures to urgently tackle packaging waste generation

Date released: August 24, 2023

Ireland is meeting current EU recycling targets and achieving high recycling rates for some streams such as glass, paper/cardboard and ferrous metals.

EPA calls for urgent focus on green public procurement by Government Departments

Date released: March 28, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its second report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) activity in Government Departments.

EPA calls for urgent action to address Ireland’s Municipal Waste Recycling

Date released: December 06, 2022

The EPA’s National Waste Statistics Report for 2020 published today reports on the most recent official data on waste generation and management in Ireland. The report reveals a number of worrying trends.

Latest Events in Circular Economy

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EPA Circular Economy Conference 2023

This hybrid event will be an opportunity to learn about recent developments in the circular economy and the opportunities and challenges in implementing a circular economy in Ireland. There will be opportunities to network and participate in polling and Q&A sessions. Event Date: September 27, 2023 Event Time: 09.30 - 17.00 Location: Aviva Stadium & On-line

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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