SETU Carlow Campus 'Green' Library: Litter Policy

Soft plastics are now able to be recycled in Ireland. Minister of State for the Circular Economy Ossian Smyth TD said soft plastic can be placed in the household recycling bin along with "rigid" plastic. The term "Soft plastics"  refers to plastics that can be scrunched in the hand, and include crisp bags, sweet wrappers, bread wrappers and various types of plastic film. The new arrangements come as a result of EU requirements, notably moves to put in place a “circular economy” and curb plastic pollution. Soft plastics have been added to the recycling list due to advancements in technology at Irish recycling facilities. The recyclable plastic is sent to specialised recycling facilities, or if it cannot be recycled it will be used as fuel for cement kilns instead of fossil fuels.

"Currently in Ireland we recycle less than a third of all plastic packaging waste. We have committed to increasing our plastic packaging recycling figure to 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030.  "Today's announcement is a significant step towards achieving these targets," said Minister Smyth.

To recycle correctly, please ensure that items are CLEAN and DRY and LOOSE before them putting into the recycle bins.

For more information about recycling visit:  mywaste.ie