Today marks the beginning of National Recycling Week, and it is hoped a variety of initiatives will enable householders to recycle nearly 6,000 tonnes of used packaging this month.
The event is being organised by Repak, the not-for-profit organisation which assists businesses comply with packaging recycling regulations.
Recycling Week coincides with a new survey which found that householders are overstating the amount of waste material they are recycling by a third.
While household recycling jumped by nearly 25% last year, a new survey of 1,000 adults found they believed they recycled 40% of their waste.
However, studies suggest the actual figure is closer to 30%.
Repak says this research conducted by Milward Brown/IMS shows the public believes it is recycling more than it is, and this fact could be holding back further increases in recycling.
The seventh Repak Recycling Week hopes to challenge that.
Among the initiatives are decorated bring-banks in Dublin, information packs to nearly 3,500 schools and various online initiatives.
Supporting the campaign, Environment Minister John Gormley reminded the public that the on-the-spot litter fine increased yesterday from €125 to €150.
