Repak's first ever recycling knowledge audit has examined the knowledge of over 2,000 people and found common misconceptions in their understanding of recycling rules and their ability to segregate waste correctly.
The survey reveals that 88% respondents believe they are doing a great job with their recycling, but only 53% can accurately identify what can actually be recycled.
Repak said its findings highlight critical misconceptions and gaps that are holding Ireland back from achieving its recycling targets.
It said that only 29% knew the correct way to dispose of bleach bottles - ensuring the bottle is empty, with the lid on and placed in the recycling bin.
41% of people surveyed disposed of cereal boxes incorrectly - the right method is to separate the plastic cereal bag, flatten the box and recycle both, while just 43% of people correctly identified deodorant cans as recyclable items.
Repak said that these errors are not just harmless mistakes, but they contribute to contamination rates that make recycling efforts ineffective.
The audit also highlighted the lack of proper waste segregation systems beyond the household.
While many homes have embraced the three-bin system for recycling, organic waste, and general waste, the same cannot be said for workplaces.
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40% of respondents said their workplace lacks a three-bin system or that they are unsure whether one is in place.
With commercial recycling down by 12,892 tonnes in 2023, Repak has called for stricter enforcement and a nationwide commitment to proper waste segregation infrastructure.
Zoe Kavanagh, Repak CEO, said its Recycling Knowledge Audit has revealed a significant gap between perceived recycling knowledge and the reality of recycling practices across Ireland.
"While many believe they're doing the right thing, a national average score of 64% shows that we are not where we need to be - recycling is a 100% game. Education is crucial to ensure the public understands what can and cannot be recycled, but this is only one part of the solution," she said.
"We must enhance recycling capacity and improve infrastructure across the board. These efforts are all interconnected, and consumer education plays a pivotal role. Addressing these broader issues is essential if we are to meet our targets and become the most sorted country in the EU," she added.
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