This funding allows us to build on PostBack's momentum; reaching more communities - both rural and urban - capturing more reusable goods and keeping them in use longer.
- 4 min read
- Published: 10th February 2026
Oxfam Ireland awarded Government funding to expand PostBack initiative
Since its launch in April 2025, PostBack has seen over 35,000 donation bags ordered and over 102,000 kg of clothing diverted from landfill.
Oxfam Ireland has been awarded Government funding under the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) to expand and strengthen PostBack - the innovative doorstep postal donation programme delivered in partnership with An Post.
PostBack is a totally free initiative that allows anyone in the Republic of Ireland to donate good quality clothing, books, and other reusable items to Oxfam Ireland straight from their home. PostBack has made it easier than ever for people to support Oxfam Ireland’s vital work for equality worldwide while extending the life of unwanted goods.
PostBack has shown that when you remove barriers and make donating easy, people want to do the right thing. This funding allows us to build on that momentum; reaching more communities - both rural and urban - capturing more reusable goods and keeping them in use longer. We are thrilled to be part of the 14 projects awarded funding. With over 102,000 kg of clothing already diverted from landfill, it’s a practical, people-powered example of how the circular economy can work in everyday life, while directly supporting Oxfam Ireland’s work to tackle the climate crisis and inequality.— Mark Sweeney, Donated Goods Strategy Manager
Since its launch in April 2025, PostBack has seen over 35,000 donation bags ordered from every county in Ireland, with 71% of bags collected directly from people’s homes. To date, this has resulted in over 102,000 kg of clothing being diverted from landfill, keeping valuable resources in circulation and demonstrating how ease and convenience can drive participation in the circular economy.
The funding forms part of a €650,000 investment announced today by Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD. The scheme supports new and practical ways to reduce waste by prioritising repair, repurposing, and reuse.
Well done to all 14 recipients who have been successful under the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme this year. Their commitment to developing solutions that reduce waste and make better use of resources is a key element of Ireland’s journey towards a more sustainable future. These successful projects demonstrate the innovation and ambition needed to deliver real change, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have.— Minister Alan Dillon, TD
The new funding will be used by Oxfam to extend the reach and awareness of PostBack, deepen community engagement, and support further innovation in textile and goods reuse, ensuring more quality donations are kept in circulation and out of landfill.
Oxfam Ireland was delighted to have Minister Alan Dillon take part in the official launch of PostBack in October 2025, and today’s funding announcement further demonstrates the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment’s commitment to supporting scalable, community-focused reuse initiatives.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, added:
“At Community Foundation Ireland, we see every day how much potential there is in communities when the right support is in place. This funding is another boost for people and organisations finding new and practical ways to reduce waste and make their existing work more circular. We welcome this partnership with government to bring these ideas to life.”
To order your PostBack bag today and become part of a bigger movement toward a circular economy , visit oxfamireland.org/postback-donate-by-post-for-free.
Kate Brayden, Communications Officer – Oxfam Ireland
kate.brayden@oxfamireland.org
+353 (0)87 749 7447
Clare Cronin, Head of Communications - Oxfam Ireland
clare.cronin@oxfamireland.org
+353 (0)87 195 2551
Postback - Donate from Your Doorstep
PREP: Visit the Oxfam Ireland website – www.oxfamireland.org - to order a free donation bag, or call 1800 062 062 to order over the phone. Your bag will be delivered by An Post.
PACK: Fill each bag with pre-loved items up to 10kg. You can get as many bags as you wish.
POST: Go to the An Post Returns portal, find ‘Oxfam Ireland’ and enter your details to drop off your bag at any post office or arrange a free home collection.
An Post has Ireland’s largest fleet of electric vehicles, and the largest truck fleet run on bio-fuel, ensuring that donations are transported in an eco-friendly manner.
