As the New Year approaches, it’s time for resolutions—and we are encouraging Irish households and businesses to start 2025 with a pledge to ‘resolve to recycle – better'.
We conducted a Recycling Knowledge Audit earlier this year that revealed a gap between good intentions and practical action with 47% of Irish adults admitting uncertainty about what can and cannot be recycled.
Based on these findings, we launched a new campaign, Resolve to Recycle… Better, which targets everyday moments of hesitation that often result in recycling mistakes and missed opportunities to make a positive environmental impact.
Whether it’s rinsing a foil tray after dinner or ensuring a yogurt pot is free from food residue, these small, everyday actions play a vital role in helping Ireland achieve its ambitious recycling targets. If you’re ever unsure, just ask yourself: is it Clean, Dry, and Loose? If so, it belongs in the recycling bin. Clean means free from food waste, dry means it won’t dampen or contaminate other recyclables, and loose means placing items directly into the bin without a bag or liner. By resolving to make these simple changes in 2025, we can all make a big difference.
The Stats: We Want to Recycle, but We’re Not Quite There Yet
While 70% of respondents reported using a three-bin system at home:
• 53% struggled with basic recycling knowledge, leading to common errors.
• 50% didn’t know blister packs belong in general waste.
• 64% misunderstood that clean tin foil is recyclable.
• 67% incorrectly disposed of broken glass, which should be taken to civic amenity centres.
These small but frequent mistakes aren’t just inconveniences—they contribute to contamination rates, reducing the effectiveness of Ireland’s recycling systems.
Why Do We Struggle? The Psychology of Recycle
The data highlights a key insight: most people want to do the right thing, but the complexity of modern recycling systems leads to decision fatigue and doubt. Behavioural research has shown that while 86% of people say they feel a sense of responsibility for their recycling, only about 63% consistently follow through, especially when the task requires extra effort or knowledge.
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, explains: “Our research reveals that recycling habits often falter in moments of doubt. Standing in front of three bins, unsure where that greasy pizza box or that foil lid goes, is a common scenario for many. Through ‘Resolve to Recycle - Better,’ we’re equipping people with the tools, tips, and confidence to close the gap between knowing and doing. Small changes—when done at scale—can drive big results for Ireland’s circular economy.”
From Hesitation to Habit: How to Recycle Better in 2025
Our Resolve to Recycle… Better campaign focuses on turning those fleeting moments of indecision into informed action. Here’s how everyone can up their recycling game:
• Think Clean, Dry, and Loose: These are the golden rules for recycling. Rinse containers, let them dry, and avoid putting recyclables in plastic bags.
• Learn What Goes Where: Paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals are recyclable, but watch out for contaminants like food residue or mixed materials (e.g., bubble-lined envelopes).
• Leverage Local Recycling Centres: For items like glass, batteries, and electronics, bring them to civic amenity sites instead of your household bin.
• Make It a Family Affair: Post a simple recycling guide in your kitchen and encourage accountability across all household members.
Changing the Conversation: Small Actions, Big Impact
This campaign isn’t just about cleaning up Ireland’s bins; it’s about creating a mindset shift. By making recycling easier, more intuitive, and habit-forming, Ireland can tackle the growing challenge of waste management and contamination.
Our campaign will also highlight how small improvements at home and in the workplace contribute to Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.
Recycling Smarter
Through collaborations with businesses, local councils, and influencers, we aim to make recycling education more engaging and accessible. From bite-sized social media content to on-the-ground activations, the campaign will meet people where they are—helping them resolve to recycle better every day. Click here for resources, recycling guides, and to take your pledge to recycle better in 2025.