Our textile separate collection system is currently under strain due to adverse international trading conditions caused by wars and currency crises around the globe. This is a complex problem being experienced across Europe at the moment.
Under waste management legislation, local authorities are responsible for waste management planning and this includes managing capacity issues and the provision of clothing banks. The local government sector is managing the situation actively to maintain business continuity in the collection and management of used textiles. The Department is working closely with local authorities and is providing necessary supports to ensure separate collection of textiles in line with our EU obligations.
This year I have made funding available to the local government sector for Anti-Dumping Initiatives, waste enforcement, and for communications and awareness raising around preventing waste and promoting reuse. Funding is being provided by the Department to the local government sector for a public awareness campaign to advise where and how people can discard their used textiles in a responsible way which will help curb illegal dumping.
A targeted amendment to the EU Waste Framework Directive is expected to be published by the end of 2025 which will provide for a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (EPR) for textiles to be in place in each Member State by 2028. The Department has started the foundational work for an Irish EPR scheme. It is expected that the establishment of this scheme will greatly assist in dealing with issues being experienced at present.
