'This cannot continue': Calls made for urgent new approach to tackle food waste

Some 753,000 tonnes of food waste was generated in 2021 and it’s hoped this can be halved by 2030.

Ireland “urgently needs a new approach” to tackling waste, with over two tonnes of waste generated for every person in the country last year, advocates have warned.

A new Government initiative launching on Friday will see the publication of a new roadmap towards managing the waste we generate in a circular economy, with this waste being repaired, reused, recycled, or composted.

It is hoped that the roadmap will help boost recycling rates and cut down on waste in Irish households, with measures already implemented including the recently-launched deposit return scheme.

The “ambitious” and “first-of-its-kind" plan through to 2030 aims to prevent over a quarter of a million tonnes of waste being generated, and is being adopted at local government level.

“As a nation, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of waste generated each year and it’s having a dramatic impact on our environment, our climate, and our natural resources,” said Kevin Swift, Regional Waste Co-ordinator Connacht Ulster.

“Last year alone we collected over 13 and a half million tonnes of waste — or over 2 tonnes per person. That’s the equivalent weight of two cars! This cannot continue.” 

Recycling targets

Currently, 41% of waste in Ireland is recycled against an EU target of 50%, which rises to 55% next year and to 60% by 2030. Furthermore, 753,000 tonnes of food waste was generated in 2021 and it’s hoped this can be halved by 2030.

The plan sets out a target of a 0% rate of waste growth per person, which means that the amount of waste generated per person will not increase above existing levels. It also proposes reducing waste from commercial activities, and the commercial and demolition sector.

More awareness campaigns, education programmes, and promotion of the correct use of the different colour bins we have at home and work are also planned.

“It’s anticipated that the combined effect of these interventions will prevent 300,000 tonnes of waste over the life of this plan and increase the recycling rate by up to 9%,” said Mr Swift.

“It’s also really important that we become more creative with the waste we do produce and look at innovative ways to encourage recycling such as the Deposit Return Scheme.” 

Although much maligned since its launch a month ago, proponents of the deposit return scheme claim it will boost recycling rates and reduce litter in the long run.

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Waste is a big business in Ireland, with the sector valued at over €1.4bn and employing around 10,000 people. Local Authorities alone spend €280m a year on waste functions but it’s expected a further €40m State investment will be needed to transition to a circular economy as per the plan.

Mr Swift added: “The plan is the culmination of two years of engagement between key partners and all stakeholders including the Government, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), industry, NGOs and local communities.

“But it doesn’t stop here. It’s vital we continue this collaboration, as we all have a part to play in creating a circular economy to maintain and improve sustainability.”