Think Before You Skip It
Public Urged to “Think Before You Skip It” in New Waste Reduction Campaign
• Construction and demolition waste represents the largest waste stream in Ireland at over 8 million tonnes annually
• New research reveals a third of people in Ireland do a home clear out annually, with a fifth using a skip in the past year alone.
• MyWaste is urging citizens to ‘think circular’: prioritise reuse, repurposing and proper waste segregation
24th March 2025: MyWaste, Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste, is launching a new public information campaign today, ‘Think Before You Skip It’, aimed at maximising reuse and recycling whilst minimising waste sent for disposal during home clear-outs, DIY projects, and renovations. The campaign responds to the challenges of using skips for materials that can either be reused or recycled, such as cardboard boxes and general household waste. These items are often incorrectly thrown into skips and mixed with construction and demolition debris.
With construction and demolition waste representing the largest waste stream in Ireland (8 million tonnes annually[1]), and landfills nearing capacity, MyWaste, managed by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, is urging the public to adopt more circular practices. The ‘Think Before You Skip It’ campaign is encouraging all citizens, particularly DIY enthusiasts, renovators, and those moving home or doing a spring clean to prioritise reuse, repurposing, and proper waste segregation. As a result, waste generation is minimised, materials are kept in the loop at their highest value for as long as possible, and if it cannot be used, segregation can ensure better recycling or treatment.
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD said “Embracing a circular economy is crucial for a sustainable future. The ‘Think Before You Skip It’ campaign empowers individuals to think before placing materials in skips and promotes a culture of reuse and repair. By prioritising reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal, we can collectively contribute to a cleaner, greener Ireland,”.
Despite a strong willingness among Irish homeowners (75%) to reuse or sell renovation materials, new research commissioned by MyWaste and conducted by iReach Insights on over 1,000 citizens reveals that progress is hampered by significant obstacles. Lack of information (33%) is preventing many from translating good intentions into action resulting in valuable resources being disposed of needlessly and hindering Ireland’s progress towards a circular economy.
Other key findings into waste management practices include:
• 32% of respondents undertake home clear-outs annually. Almost half (48%) said they have completed a home renovation recently. 60% have completed a DIY project
• 44% hire a skip when doing a clear out or renovation. 22% have used a skip in the past year alone, primarily for general clear-outs (54%) and renovation/DIY projects (48%).
• 80% say they would segregate waste to be recycled or reused for home clear-outs.
• The kitchen (44%), the bathroom (41%), and general living spaces (40%) are the parts of the house most involved in clear-outs.
• The cost of waste disposal (35%) is the biggest barrier to doing a clear out.
• Internal and external doors (44%) are the top items considered for reuse or sale, followed by fireplaces and kitchen cabinets (41% each).
“We are seeing too much reusable and recyclable material ending up in skips and losing its value” said Philippa King, Regional Waste Coordinator at the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices. “This campaign aims to educate the public on the simple steps they can take to minimise waste, save money, and protect our environment. By thinking before we use a skip, we can all make a positive impact in contributing towards a more circular society.”
MyWaste is also publishing a new guide on its website, MyWaste.ie, providing step-by-step instructions for efficient and environmentally friendly clear-outs.
MyWaste’s Top Ten Tips for Organising Your Clear Out:
1. Plan: Break down the task into manageable steps, focusing on one room or area at a time.
2. Equip: Gather essential supplies like boxes, bags, packing materials, and cleaning supplies.
3. Sort: Categorise items into Keep, Reuse, Donate, Sell, Recycle, and Dispose.
4. List: Create a list to track belongings and decluttering progress.
5. Donate/Sell: Arrange for pick-up or drop-off with charities or online platforms.
6. Clear: Remove larger items first, then smaller items and debris.
7. Recycle: If the clear out material contains WEEE, batteries, these can be recycled for free at your local Civic Amenity Site, & should not be placed in a skip.
8. Dispose: Responsibly recycle or dispose of unwanted items at civic amenity sites or through authorised waste collectors.
9. Consider a Skip (Wisely): If hiring a skip, make sure the skip provider is authorised
10. Document & Share: Take before-and-after photos of your clear-out and share your progress on social media using #ThinkBeforeYouSkipIt, #letsgetcircular, #CircularEconomyIreland to inspire others!
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices is encouraging the public to visit MyWaste.ie to access the new guide and learn more about responsible waste management practices.
[1] https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring–assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/construction–demolition/#:~:text=The%20annual%20quantity%20of%20C%26D,decreases%20to%208.3%20million%20tonnes.