The Road Safety Authority (RSA) Ireland is committed to safeguarding the lives of road users and pedestrians and taking steps to protect the environment and the communities it serves. Recognising that sustainability and safety go hand in hand, the RSA has embedded environmental responsibility into the heart of its operations.
The RSA has implemented a forward-thinking Environmental Policy aimed at enhancing its overall environmental performance. A central pillar of this strategy is reducing the ecological footprint of its products, services and daily operations, particularly waste management. The key to this is engaging suppliers in sustainable practices and maximising reuse and recycling across the organisation.
Tackling the Waste Challenge
With over 76 RSA sites across Ireland, a major challenge emerged: incorrect waste segregation and a lack of awareness of proper disposal practices. Contaminated waste streams not only harm the environment but also lead to significant financial penalties.
To address this, in January 2023, the RSA partnered with OCS to transform its waste management practices. A comprehensive waste plan was introduced across 24 office units, focusing on:
Impressive Results After One Year
By December 2024, the impact of these efforts was clear and measurable:
General waste was reduced from 1.8 tonnes to 1.3 tonnes through staff education on reusing materials and reducing packaging waste. Recycling rates have improved significantly, aided by clear signage and enhanced segregation, which helps divert more materials from landfills and reduce emissions. Composting saw a notable increase, from 489 kg to 718 kg, curbing methane emissions and preventing organic waste from ending up in landfills.
OCS will continue to work with the RSA to improve these figures, reducing waste volumes and cutting emissions to protect and ensure a safe community and planet, while driving sustainability across all operations.
