Returning for a second year, the awards, which are funded by the Government of Ireland under the Circular Economy Fund, celebrate the individuals and initiatives helping communities across Ireland reduce waste, reuse resources and promote more sustainable ways of living through local activation. The awards will recognise impact across six categories which includes Repair and Reuse Champion, Community Circular Champion, Creative Circular Design, Circular Living Advocate, Best Community Campaign and Circular Sports Champion.
Last year’s inaugural awards attracted nominations from across the country, highlighting a diverse range of projects and individuals championing circular living through repair cafes, reuse initiatives, sustainable fashion, education and creative upcycling among others. Each category winner will receive a €2000 prize along with a one of a kind handcrafted trophy created from upcycled materials. Shortlisted finalists will also benefit from national media exposure, social media promotion and features across the Circular.ie platform.
Talking about the launch, Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Manager at Circular.ie, said: “Last year's awards shone a light on remarkable individuals driving Ireland's circular movement forward. We celebrated the creativity and diversity of their initiatives, inspired by the quality of nominations and the personal stories behind them. This year, we look forward to recognising even more dedicated individuals for their outstanding impact and tangible differences made in communities across the country.”
The Full Circle Awards are open to adults aged 18 and above, including community activists, volunteers, social enterprises and individuals creating circular solutions in their local areas. Self nominations are also welcome. Applications for the Full Circle Awards 2026 are now open and will close on Friday, 24th July 2026. Shortlisted finalists will be announced in August ahead of the awards ceremony taking place on 17th September 2026.
Full details on the awards categories, eligibility criteria and nomination process are available on https://circular.ie/full-circle-awards-2026