Ireland has poor record in recycling waste materials for 'circular economy'

According to an analysis from the European Environment Agency, only aluminium, paper, and glass have established good enough markets to be re-used. Picture: Koen van Weel/AFP via Getty Images

The EU is struggling to get to grips with how to re-use wood, plastic, and clothes in the so-called "circular economy", which reduces the strain on the extraction of vital natural resources.

According to an analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA), only aluminium, paper, and glass have established good enough markets to be re-used.