According to the latest survey, Ireland’s previously most problematic urban areas are continuing to clean up, thanks to increased local authority investment. However, this positive trend is overshadowed by an unexpected anomaly: despite the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the prevalence of plastic bottles and beverage cans on the streets has reached its highest level since the scheme’s launch.
The latest litter survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), published on June 8, 2026, provides a comprehensive overview of the cleanliness of Irish towns and cities. The study was conducted by the independent environmental organization An Taisce, which receives funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through the Circular Economy Fund. While the data shows clear nationwide progress, it also highlights persistent challenges in waste management, particularly regarding the DRS.
Broad Improvements: Sligo Takes the Top Spot, Limerick Falls Behind
The study reveals that nationwide litter levels remain static, on a par with last year, with a total of 27 towns deemed clean. Out of the 40 cities and towns surveyed, Sligo once again topped the IBAL ranking, finishing ahead of Monaghan and Leixlip. An Taisce inspectors praised Sligo in particular for its top-ranking approach roads, an “exceptionally freshly presented” Retail Park, and the “complete absence of litter” throughout the Great War Memorial Garden. Among the major cities, Waterford was again named Ireland’s cleanest city, securing 4th place overall, while significant improvements were recorded in Navan, Carlow, and Athlone.
A major positive takeaway from the report is that no town or city occupied the lowest “seriously littered” or “litter blackspot” categories at the foot of the table. The only disappointing exception was Limerick City Centre, which was the sole area branded as “littered.” Inspectors lamented the lack of clean sites and a number of areas that remain heavily littered on a consistent basis, including Mount Kenneth Place, the entrance to Henry Street Car Park, the residential area of Grattan Court, the recycle facility on Dock Road, and the laneway at Cruises Street Car Park.
Breakthrough in Socially Disadvantaged Urban Areas
Continuing a trend observed in recent years, the majority of socially disadvantaged urban areas showed year-on-year improvement. Dublin’s North Inner City, Cork Northside, Galway’s Ballybane, and Ballymun all progressed from the “littered” category to “moderately littered.”
Conor Horgan of IBAL commented that as the peak summer tourist season approaches, Ireland has fewer littered areas than at any time in the last 25 years. He noted that after 15 years of surveying these specific locations, there is finally evidence of sustained improvement resulting from greater investment by Dublin and Cork City Councils. Furthermore, if plans in Dublin to eliminate domestic waste collection in bags across the inner city are realized, the cleanliness of the capital city will improve even further. Overall, the study of over 500 sites showed a remarkably low number of very heavily littered sites compared to previous years.
The Focus of the Report: Rising DRS Material Streams on Streets
The most surprising and controversial finding of the litter survey involves the material streams targeted by the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Contrary to expectations that these items would disappear from public spaces, bet-deposit plastic bottles and cans were found to be highly prevalent.
Street Prevalence Quantified:
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Plastic bottles were present in 19% of the sites surveyed.
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Beverage cans were detected in 22% of the sites surveyed.
These figures represent the highest levels recorded since the Deposit Return Scheme was introduced. Conor Horgan evaluated the situation by stating: “If we had hoped that the DRS would see this litter disappear from our streets, it’s not happening. 15c or 25c does not appear enough to incentivise some people to return a bottle or can.” Nevertheless, IBAL emphasized the other side of the coin: the scheme has succeeded in reducing this specific type of litter by over 50% globally, making its positive impact on overall cleanliness levels undisputed.
Other Persistent Litter Types: Coffee Cups and Cigarette Butts
The study also draws attention to two other highly persistent types of street litter. The prevalence of coffee cups reached its highest level since 2023, making it one of the main sources of litter on Irish streets, trailing only behind sweet papers, fast-food wrappers, plastic bags, and cigarette butts. IBAL described the government’s inaction on this persistent problem as “baffling,” noting that previous discussions surrounding a “latte levy” have all but vanished.
Additionally, the study revealed a significant increase in cigarette butt litter compared to 2025. IBAL warns that butts are not only an eyesore but are composed of toxic single-use plastic that severely contaminates both marine and land environments.
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Official IBAL Report: Litter survey shows urban areas continuing to clean up
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Background Info – Circular Economy Fund (Irish Government): Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment – Circular Economy
