A new study says almost one-third of Irish shoppers have a full recycling bin before Christmas even begins.

Repak has revealed Ireland's recycling habits over the festive season.

The country is expected to generate 86,000 tonnes of packaging waste - the equivalent to the combined packaging waste of Kilkenny and Galway in a year.

That is an increase of 3,000 tonnes from the previous year.

Repak is encouraging Irish shoppers to pledge their support for 'Team Green' - a new initiative by the not-for-profit recycling scheme.

It says: "Shoppers nationwide can demonstrate their commitment to increasing Ireland's recycling levels by making a conscious decision to shop with a Repak member this Christmas.

"By shopping with a Repak member, as well as by recycling correctly at home, consumers can feel assured that they are playing a key role to protect Ireland's environment for future generations."

Three-quarters of respondents say they plan to 'actively improve' on their recycling habits this festive season.

File photo

Of those, 19% will make at least three trips to a bottle bank or recycling centre before the Christmas holidays are over.

Over 1,000 people were surveyed for the study - which found that one in 10 people admitted they do not make a conscious effort to cut down on generating non-recyclable waste.

When asked why, 25% believe they do not have the time - and a further 30% do not think there is a need to recycle correctly at Christmas.

While one-quarter of people say they will buy more than 15 Christmas gifts - another 33% will purchase at least 10.

And three in 10 people will purchase at least 50% of their presents online.

A further 34% of shoppers will buy at least 30% of their Christmas presents online.

When asked why, convenience - as well as an admittance that the internet has changed the way they shop - were the reasons cited.

An earlier Repak surveyed showed that the amount of packaging waste generated in Ireland from online shopping outside the State will grow by 34% in 2018.

Ireland is generating over 10,000 tonnes of packaging waste from online shopping per year, up from 7,500 tonnes in 2017.