Ireland targets textile waste with producer responsibility plan

The policy outlines a long-term shift in how textiles are consumed and discarded. By 2030, citizens are expected to have significantly improved access to responsible disposal and donation options, supported by expanded infrastructure and greater transparency on textile end-of-life pathways, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment said in a press release.

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, said: “Far too much of our used textiles currently end up being disposed of as waste in our bins. Today I am launching policy and practical measures to change this, to move us closer to a circular economy for textiles.”

He continued that the statement includes a range of measures to promote circular design, ensuring that textiles last longer and are easier to reuse and repair. The actions outlined make the fashion and textile industry responsible for its textile waste.

A nationwide public awareness campaign has also been launched to guide consumers on responsible textile disposal. There are over 1,500 local authority and charity donation points on the new Textiles Reuse and Recycling Map. The initiative highlights practical steps such as donating to charity shops, using textile banks, and preparing items properly to maximise reuse potential. An online platform, MyWaste.ie, will help citizens locate nearby donation points and access disposal guidance.

The roadmap places strong emphasis on circular design principles, encouraging the development of textiles that are more durable, repairable, and reusable. It also seeks to address the broader environmental impact of the textile sector, which is among the most resource-intensive industries globally, relying heavily on fossil fuels, water, and labour.

Ireland generates over 110,000 tonnes of post-consumer textiles annually, underscoring the urgency of systemic intervention. Authorities aim to increase reuse and recycling rates while reducing landfill dependency through coordinated efforts between government, industry, and consumers.

Pauline McDonogh, Circular Economy co-ordinator with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, said, “In this campaign we are asking citizens to have items such as clothing, paired footwear and household textiles clean, dry, folded and neatly bagged before placing in clothing banks, bringing them to your local civic amenity site or donating to charity shops. These few simple but important steps can give these items a second life and help support Ireland's transition to a circular economy.”

With textiles ranking among the top contributors to environmental and climate impact after food, housing, and transport, the policy marks a significant step in aligning national waste management practices with wider EU circular economy goals.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)