Irish residents are expected to recycle over 58,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Easter, an increase of 18% compared to last year.
That is according to new research by Repak, which oversees recycling compliance.
50% of those surveyed said they will buy six or more Easter eggs and 27% plan to spend more than previous years.
However, 30% said they will not spend more than €20, and on average people will spend €36 chocolate Easter eggs this year.
Ireland currently recycles 31% of all plastics, but Repak said that needs to increase to 50% by 2025 to achieve plastic recycling targets the EU has set for the coming years.
"By being a good egg and recycling correctly this Easter, the public will help Ireland reach the target," Repak said in a statement.
Since last year, all plastics can go into the recycling bin, which the Repak research reveals 35% are unaware of.
This Easter, Repak is asking the public to recycle all plastics and in particular, packaging from Easter eggs and gifts.
It said cardboard boxes, plastic moulds and clean tin foil are just some of the many items consumed by households over Easter that can all go into the recycling bin - once clean, dry, and loose.
"Easter is a particularly busy period for waste operators across Ireland, who receive a heavy influx of packaging waste over the weekend," said Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak.
"By placing all recyclable items in the recycling bin clean, dry, and loose, we will be supporting their work.
"Also, as now all plastics can go in the recycling bin, we have a great opportunity to reach ambitious future plastic recycling targets set by the EU," he added.
