Brown bin collection service
Everyone everywhere is entitled to a Brown Bin Collection Service in 2024, as legislation changes.
There is good news for households in rural areas
New legislation, which came into effect in January 2024, means all householders in Ireland are entitled to a brown bin recycling collection service from their waste collector.
Since January 2024, new EU legislation means every household will be entitled to avail of a brown bin collection service.
Approximately 69% of households in Ireland up until now, are able to avail of a food waste collection service from their waste service collector.
MyWaste.ie is encouraging everyone, here, there, and everywhere to contact their waste collector and request a brown bin service in 2024, because “you’re never too remote to recycle!”
Q&A – New EU Legislation Brown Bin Collection Service 2024
1 – What does this new EU legislation regarding household food and biowaste entail?
New legislation, which came into effect in January 2024, means all householders in Ireland are entitled to a brown bin recycling collection service from their waste collector. Whether you live low in a valley, or high on a hill, the forthcoming household food and biowaste regulations means everyone, everywhere can now avail of a brown bin service.
2 – How many people in Ireland will be impacted by this new legislation?
Approximately 69% of households in Ireland up until now, are able to avail of a food waste collection service from their waste service collector. This new legislation, which came into effect in January 2024, means all householders in Ireland will now be entitled to this service.
3 – What percentage of households currently avail of the food waste collection service?
Approximately 69% of households in Ireland up until now, are able to avail of a food waste collection service from their waste service collector.
4 – Why did the legislation change?
This legislation is part of ongoing Waste Framework directive from the EU to help member states enshrine the waste hierarchy into national legislation.
5 – What are the key benefits for householders to get a brown bin?
This change in legislation will make it easier for every household to participate as they can now finally access a brown bin and contribute to meeting the challenge of separating food and garden waste.
6 – What can go into the brown bin?
The brown bin service accepts all types of food including raw and cooked meat and fish, plate scrapings, along with fruit and vegetable peelings. Other items that can go into the brown bin include food-soiled paper napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes as well as grass clippings and light garden waste i.e. clippings, twigs and small branches
7 – What happens to the food and garden waste from a brown bin once it is collected?
The material from the brown bin is sent for composting or anaerobic digestion (AD) here on the island of Ireland. Anaerobic digestion processes food waste into a bio-gas – which in turn is used to generate electricity.
8 – When will brown bins be available for all householders?
The new legislation came into effect from January 1st 2024 – however, a period of time will be given to waste collectors to put all the necessary operations in place to extend the service to more households. We’d encourage all households who wish to avail of a brown bin collection service to contact your current waste collector and express your interest.
9 – When you say “every” household in Ireland. Are there still some exempt if you like from this legislation? For example, those living in islands off the coast of Ireland – Clare Island, Inishbofin etc.
Yes, the regulations do not apply to off-shore islands.