Repak is urging people to separate and recycle their garbage during Easter in order to help the environment.

Eighty percent of respondents anticipate eating an Easter egg made of milk chocolate, while only four percent request vegan or plant-based chocolate.

The amount of packaging waste generated in 2023 - 60,900 tonnes - has increased to 62,000 tonnes, a 1.8% increase.

A recent study on Easter expenditure, recycling practices, and awareness of recyclables was conducted among 1,000 persons in Ireland on behalf of the environmental non-profit organisation Repak.

When it came to getting rid of Easter egg packaging, the vast majority (88%) stated they were confidence in their capacity for recycling.

Nevertheless, just 3 out of 5 (59%) said they intended to recycle all of their Easter egg packaging when asked how much of it they would recycle.

One in ten respondents stated they would just recycle the exterior cardboard container, while a quarter (25%) said they would recycle the cardboard box and plastic insert. Only 2% of respondents claimed they had no plans to recycle.

The custom of giving Easter eggs as gifts is still quite popular; 37% of respondents say they would purchase three to five chocolate eggs, 25% say they will purchase eight or more, and 28% say they will purchase one Easter egg for themselves.

More than a quarter (27%) of respondents say they will spend more money on Easter eggs this year than they did last, while 57% say they will spend the same and 16% say they will spend less.

Of those who plan to purchase Easter eggs, 22% will spend between €16 and €25, 21% between €26 and €40, and 33% will spend more than €41.

Repak is urging people to keep recycling packaging at Easter, especially that which comes with Easter eggs and gifts. Once they are clean, dry, and loose, recyclable materials can be used to make cardboard boxes, plastic moulds, chocolate trays, clean tin foil, and egg cartons.