The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carries out periodic waste characterisation studies in Ireland to meet our national waste reporting requirements to the EU. These national waste characterisation studies typically focus on various waste streams, including household, commercial and municipal waste (e.g. street litter).

CTC has played an important role in the characterisation of commercial waste in Ireland since it was developed and introduced in 2002. The methodological approach applied has evolved through each iteration (2005, 2008, 2018 and 2022) to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the collected data. Over the years, in addition to evolving the methodology and the reporting datasets, CTC has carried out hundreds of waste surveys in a variety of business sectors.

Waste statistics are important for reporting and circular economy planning. The detailed sectoral information gathered during these studies provides an invaluable source of information for individual businesses, regional authorities, national agencies and government departments.

In 2022, CTC made a concerted effort to communicate our findings through the booklet and detailed report. Additionally, we recently created summary posters for both the household and commercial waste studies.