A total of €24 million was given in initiatives, half of which was given away in capital grants with the rest going to the operating costs of recycling facilities and supporting of WEEE operational costs.
The new materials recovery facility at Ballymount, which begins work today (January 2nd), was one of the biggest receivers of funding.
Minister Gormley said: “Earlier this month I provided €10 million in funding to assist local authorities in meeting the operational costs associated with bring banks and civic amenity facilities.
“Activity at these sites has increased steadily in recent years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Irish public for their endeavours in recycling and usage of these sites.
“Overall municipal waste recovery rate is now more than 36% compared with just nine per cent a decade ago.”
He added that he hoped people would continue their good work in the new year.