Putting out your bins for collection may seem simple. But getting the timing, sorting or storage wrong could mean you are breaking the local waste bye-laws.
Two Clonskeagh neighbours, Joe and Jack, chat about how to deal with bins.
JOE: “I thought I was doing everything right with my bins. Then my neighbour told me I could be breaking the waste bye-laws. Surely putting out the bins isn’t that complicated?”
JACK: “It can be! There are rules about what goes into each bin, when you put them out and when you bring them back in.”
JOE: “Really? I own my house. Do the rules apply to me?”
JACK: “Yes. The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Waste Presentation and Collection Bye-Laws 2019 apply to householders, whether they own or rent their home. They also cover people living in apartments.”
Getting the bins right
JOE: “So, what is the first thing I need to know?”
JACK: “You need to sort your waste properly. Recycling, compostable waste and general waste must be kept separate. Your bin collection contractor like Panda, Greyhound, City Bin and Thornton’s will have their own guidance on what waste goes into which bin.”
JOE: “What goes into the recycling bin?”
JACK: “Items such as paper, cardboard, cans and suitable plastic bottles, pots, trays and tubs. Recyclable materials should be clean or rinsed.”
JOE: “And food waste?”
JACK: “Food waste goes into the compostable waste bin where a separate collection is provided. Suitable light garden waste can also be composted.”
JOE: “What about general waste?”
JACK: “That is the waste left after recyclable and compostable materials have been removed. You must not put recycling or compostable waste into the general waste bin.”
Be careful with food waste
JOE: “Do I put food waste into a plastic bag first?”
JACK: “No. The bye-laws say food waste may be wrapped in paper or in a compostable bag, but not plastic. Plastic can contaminate compostable waste.”
Electrical items
JOE: “That’s useful to know. What about old electrical items?”
JACK: “Electrical items must not go into your normal household waste bin. Hazardous waste and electrical or electronic equipment are not permitted in a kerbside waste container. Ballyogan Civic Recycling Facility and Ringsend Recycling Centre accept most electrical waste. Used batteries can be dropped off at many supermarkets.”
Don’t overload the bin
JOE: “Sometimes my bin is so full that I have to leave a bag beside it.”
JACK: “That’s another problem. Your waste container must not be overloaded. The lid must be securely closed, and you must not leave extra waste on top of the lid or beside the container. Your contractor is likely not to take the extra waste.”
JOE: “So if the lid won’t close, I have too much waste?”
JACK: “Exactly.”
When should I put the bin out?
JOE: “The timing is what confuses me. When should I put my bin on the footpath?”
JACK: “The bye-laws say you must not present household waste before 6.00pm on the day before collection.”
JOE: “Can you give me an example?”
JACK: “Of course. Our collection day is Monday.”
- Collection day: Monday
- Put the bin out: After 6.00pm on Sunday
- Remove the bin: Before 10.00am on Tuesday
JOE: “So I shouldn’t put it out on Saturday or Sunday morning for our Monday collection?”
JACK: “Correct. And after the collection, you need to bring the bin back in. Bins and uncollected waste must be removed from the footpath, road or other public place by 10.00am on the day after collection.”
JOE: And what happens if I leave my bins on the footpath after 10.00am on the day after collection?”
JACK: Somebody might complain to the Council. And then the Litter Warden might drop by and stick a warning notice on your bins. You’ve been warned!
JOE: “So, Sunday evening out and Tuesday morning back in for our Monday collection.”
JACK: “You got it. That’s the simple way to remember it.”
Don’t block the footpath
JOE: “What if my bin has to go on the footpath?”
JACK: “Bins should not obstruct pedestrians or other users of the road or footpath. This is particularly important for wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties.”
JOE: “But what if there isn’t anywhere else to put it?”
JACK: “The bye-laws allow for that. You should take reasonable steps to reduce any obstruction and remove the bin as soon as reasonably possible after collection.”
What about apartments?
JOE: “Does this work differently in an apartment?”
JACK: “There are additional rules for apartment blocks. The management company or person responsible for the development must provide suitable containers for recycling, residual waste and food waste. Residents must receive written information about waste separation, storage and presentation.”
JOE: “So I should follow the waste instructions for my apartment development?”
JACK: “Yes. And don’t assume that someone else will sort your waste if you put it into the wrong bin. Or that they will put your bin out or remove it promptly from the footpath.”
What happens if I break the rules?
JOE: “This all sounds fairly straightforward. But what happens if someone ignores the rules?”
JACK: “The Council can take enforcement action. A fixed payment notice of €75 may be issued. A person found guilty of breaking the bye-laws can face a penalty of up to €2,500. Continued breaches after conviction can lead to a further penalty of up to €500 for each day the breach continues.”
JOE: “That’s more serious than I thought.”
JACK: “It is. But following the rules is quite simple.”
JOE: “Let me see if I’ve got it right.
- Sort my waste
- Use the correct bin
- Don’t overfill it
- Put it out after 6.00pm the evening before collection
- Keep the footpath clear and
- Bring the bin back in by 10.00am the next day after its collection.”
JACK: “Exactly.”
JOE: “And if I do that, I’m helping keep Clonskeagh clean, safe and tidy.”
JACK: “Yes — and you’re also doing your bit to make sure more waste is recycled or composted instead of being sent for disposal.”
JOE: “Right. Sunday evening, after 6.00pm. Tuesday morning, before 10.00am for our Monday collection. I think I’ve got it!”