A new waste prevention initiative is supporting communities across the Southern Waste Region to celebrate in a more environmentally friendly way
The Region, made up of the ten Local Authority areas of Carlow, Clare, Cork County, Cork City, Limerick City & County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford City & County and Wexford, works collaboratively to meet the targets set out in the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy.
As part of this collective effort the “Borrow, Use, Return” party pack project has been launched in Limerick to help reduce single use plastics at community events and encourage everyday circular living. Developed by the Environmental Awareness Officers from the ten Local Authorities and supported through funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Waste Prevention Programme, the project provides reusable party packs to community settings.
This project supports climate action and the development of more circular communities by providing practical tools and ideas that help people embrace reuse, reduce waste and live more sustainably.
Each party pack can cater for up to 30 people and includes cups, plates, cutlery, jugs, and bowls. Bunting created by the Community Reuse Network Ireland (CRNI) https://crni.ie/, using upcycled textiles, is also included. All items are washable, reusable and designed to be shared within the community. Packs can be used for any type of community gathering, celebration or event. Community groups can also choose to share the pack for family gatherings and events within the community.
The “Borrow, Use, Return” party pack project is open to a wide range of community and voluntary groups, including tidy towns groups/residents associations, community voluntary groups, parent associations, active age groups and sports clubs. Participation from primary or secondary schools, family resource centres or other types of community centres or settings is also welcome.
Environmental Awareness Officer at Limerick City and County Council, Helen Kenneally commented:
“Reusing items is a positive climate action that we can all do. This project will help communities become more circular and sustainable without the cost and environmental impact of single use party ware or products. This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by supporting and promoting reuse and reducing waste in the community.”
To take part in the initiative in Limerick:
- Before April 17th, 2026, please email customerservices@limerick.ie with “Circular Communities - Borrow, Use, Return Party Pack” in the subject line outlining why you would like a party pack.
- From there an expression of interest form will be provided. The initiative is seeking a variety of different types of groups across the Southern Waste Region to ensure broad community reach and engagement. Packs will be allocated based on the type of groups, how it is intended to distribute the pack within a community and a commitment to completing a survey on its use and impact
- Once approved, the pack is provided free of charge and the community group commits to sharing it within their community and providing feedback to Limerick City and County Council.
When a celebration or event is planned, residents can borrow the pack from the participating group. After the event, the items are cleaned and returned, ready for the next occasion. This cycle of borrowing, using, and returning:
- keeps the party pack in circulation,
- reduces reliance on single use items
- supports a circular community by keeping resources in use for longer.
- By cutting down on single use catering products, the initiative also helps reduce local waste management costs.
- Elevates the sustainability of the party.
In addition to providing reusable supplies, the initiative encourages greener party planning with practical tips. Hosts are invited to engage in simple ways to reduce waste and make celebrations more sustainable:
- send digital invitations instead of paper ones,
- swap traditional party bag gifts for creative group activities.
- decorate using reusable items.
- Wrap gifts in fabric
- Share leftover treats in reusable take-home containers.