On 16 and 17 April 2026, the Government of Ireland hosted the British-Irish Council (BIC) Environment Work Sector in Dublin.  The busy two-day programme was an opportunity for officials from across these islands to build relationships and learn about the Government of Ireland’s implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

The occasion began with a visit to Re-turn in the Liffey Valley. BIC officials were welcomed by Gillian McCann and Ciaran Hope form Re-turn’s senior leadership team and were briefed on the operation of the DRS to date. Officials were also given Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) demonstrations at Tesco (Liffey Valley) and Lidl (Maynooth).

The following day, at a work sector meeting, officials were given a presentation by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment on the Government of Ireland’s new Circular Economy Strategy (2026-2028).

On Monday 8 December, the British-Irish Council Environment (Circular Economy) Work Sector held a Webinar attended by over 60 people, including industry practitioners and policymakers, exploring the topic: ‘Circular Economy Strategies’. The occasion was chaired by the UK Government (UKG), the Work Sector’s lead administration, and featured four fascinating presentations exploring efforts being pursued across these island to support the transitioning to a Circular Economy.

The first presentation was given jointly by Laila Kituyi, from the UKG’s Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, and Andrew Morlet, Chair of the UK’s Circular Economy Taskforce. Laila talked about the UKG’s plans to drive the transition to a Circular Economy looking at the barriers (e.g. societal buy-in and complex supply chains) and priority sectors (e.g. Agrifood). Andrew highlighted examples of success (e.g. the SUEZ Renew Hub in Greater Manchester) and learnings from the Dutch Government’s approach.

Next was a presentation from Niall McLoughlin, Head of the Circular Economy – Strategic Policy Section in the Government of Ireland. Niall spoke about the development of government’s second Circular Economy Strategy, which builds on the findings of Ireland’s Circularity Gap Report. He highlighted the public consultation and steps being taken in advance of the strategy’s publication in early 2026. In his presentation, Niall emphasised the importance of joint ownership right across the Government of Ireland.

Following Niall was a joint presentation from Gareth Heavisides, Scottish Government’s (SG) Circular Economy Strategy Unit, and Jamie Fry, Head of Policy at Zero Waste Scotland. Gareth gave an overview of the Scottish Government’s Draft Circular Economy Strategy, highlighting the vision, intended outcomes, policy mechanisms, as well as some of the priority sectors identified. Jamie highlight examples of Zero Waste Scotland’s specific sector roadmaps and the approaches being undertaken, including the built environment, food systems, textiles and construction.

Finishing the Webinar was a joint presentation from Martin Thompson from the Northern Ireland Executive’s (NIE) Department for the Economy, and Dr Rachel Lombardi, Chief Executive of International Synergies (IS). Martin gave an overview of the NIE’s progress towards a Circular Economy Strategy, while Rachel spoke of IS’ expertise in industrial symbiosis, showcasing examples of their resource matching workshops which are helping their clients transition to a more circular economy, and thereby achieving greater financial efficiencies. She spoke of IS’ work with organisations across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK, including with organisations such as the National Trust.