Packaging is used to enclose or protect products for distribution, storage, sale and use. Recycling of packaging waste is good for the environment because considerable resources and energy are used to produce the various packaging material streams. Ireland must achieve EU recycling targets for the following packaging types: glass, plastic, paper and board, metals and wood.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive sets these targets for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste and requires member states to set up collection, recycling and recovery schemes for such waste. The Directive is currently under review by the EU Commission to evaluate the essential requirements for packaging. The review aims to assess how best to improve packaging design to promote reuse and recycling, increase recycled content in packaging, tackle excessive packaging and reduce packaging waste.

In the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, Ireland is committed to ensure that all packaging on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.

The Irish compliance scheme for packaging is operated by Repak. 

Further information on what to do with waste packaging can be found on www.mywaste.ie.