Every year on March 18th, Global Recycling Day reminds us of the importance of a sustainable, circular economy - treating waste as a resource rather than rubbish.
In Ireland, most families are already making an effort to protect our environment, with 99% of households recycling at least some of their waste. Yet there’s still plenty of room to improve - at a higher level, our towns and cities are only recycling 42% of our municipal waste, leaving some 1.8 million tonnes to be disposed of.
That means there’s an opportunity to do more at home, looking beyond the usual paper and cardboard to electronics in a drawer, toys in the attic, and clothes hanging in your wardrobe gathering dust. The good news is that there are more ways than ever to reduce what we buy, repair what we own, and reuse items wherever we can - let us show you how.
1. Adopt a “reduce” mentality
The best way to lower our household waste is to reduce our consumption in the first place. Online retailers like Amazon have made it very easy to buy multiple items in a single click, but those packages generate a whole lot of waste when they arrive.
It helps to get very intentional when shopping, think hard about what you buy, and double-check if you really need it.
You could also:
- Where possible, opt for quality items that last longer
- Avoid single-use plastics like straws and plastic cutlery
- Place a “no junk mail” sticker on your door
- Make a weekly meal plan and stick to it
- Choose food that’s unwrapped or in recyclable packaging
Even small purchasing decisions such as borrowing a strimmer instead of buying one can help both the environment and your wallet by reducing clutter, waste and unnecessary spending.
Most tips for reducing waste in your home don’t just help the environment, they can also help you save money too. In fact, the same practices that lower your carbon footprint often also shrink your utility bills, shopping expenses and your household clutter.
2. Make repairing a priority
Remember when there was a TV repair shop in every town? They’re almost non-existent now because we find it easier, cheaper, and faster to simply replace items instead of repairing them.
That’s one of the reasons why Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. The best way to tackle this problem is to try to repair broken or malfunctioning items first. Look online to see if appliance specialists or wholesalers offer solutions or check out an online directory of repair businesses for professional help.
In April 2024 the EU adopted a Right-to-Repair Directive in order to reduce premature disposal of viable goods and promote sustainable consumption which includes re-use, repair and refurbish. Manufacturers now have to offer repair services, even after the legal warranty period has expired.
Alternatively, you could explore community initiatives like repair cafés. This is where volunteers meet to fix furniture, household appliances, and clothing for free. Many Men’s Shed members provide repair and restoration support too. Meeting with these groups is a great way to lengthen the life of your products - and learn new skills while you’re at it.
Don’t forget that RedClick home insurance customers have access to an Emergency Home Repair helpline that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can help put you in touch with tradespeople who can repair a window, fix a broken lock, or secure a damaged roof. Learn more about how it works here.
3. Find new ways to reuse
It’s very satisfying to “do a clear-out” every once in a while but make sure you don’t accidentally send valuable or useful items to a landfill.
Second-hand clothing and textiles are heavily in demand, so if you’re decluttering your wardrobe, consider:
- Donating to charity shops
- Using textile recycling banks
- Altering or repairing garments
- Swapping clothing with friends or family
- Offering for collection on a community page
You could also make some extra money by selling the items on Facebook Marketplace, DoneDeal, or Vinted.
Consider donating or exchanging toys as your children grow, sharing the joy with other families. Check local parenting groups on social media or join the Toy Library, which keeps a live digital directory and also hosts fun “Swap&Play” events around the country.
Furniture is one of the easiest things to reuse. Instead of disposing of it, which is difficult to do, these days - you could donate it, sell it, or even upcycle it. You’d be surprised what a fresh coat of varnish or a deep clean can do to revitalise an old table or tired couch.
4. Recycle like a pro
For most of us, recycling at home is as simple as tossing a tin into the blue bin instead of the green one. But there’s actually more to it than that and taking the time to make a better effort can make a big difference to the environment.
For example, many items can’t be recycled at home, like batteries, electronics, and e-cigarettes or vapes. Instead, you may have to bring them to dedicated recycling points or civic amenity sites.
Setting up a recycling system at home can help make things a little easier. If you have room (in a utility room or garage, for example), you could:
- Keep a small container for batteries and electronics
- Collect items that qualify for the Deposit Return Scheme
- Maintain a donation box for old toys or clothes
- Manage a small composting bin
Make sure to wash and dry items like yoghurt containers, ice-cream tubs, and pet-food cans before you recycle them.
5. Start small, think big
Global Recycling Day is a reminder that even the simplest actions can make a lasting impact.
We’re lucky that Ireland has strong community support, innovative environmental initiatives, and plentiful recycling resources - we just need to do our bit, starting at home. By reducing unnecessary purchases, repairing everyday items, reusing where possible, and recycling correctly, every household can play a meaningful role in reducing waste.
Explore our content hub to learn more about how you can make your home more sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you’d like to get an affordable home insurance quote or talk to us about switching home insurance in Ireland, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.
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