National Food Waste Recycling Week: Learn How to Reduce Food Waste

To celebrate Food Waste Recycling week, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are collaborating with Thorntons Recycling to give out small bags of compost and compostable bag liners at Ballyogan Recycling Centre this Thursday 5 June from 11am – 2pm.  There will be food waste tips and a representative from Thorntons on hand to answer any questions on food waste recycling.  Please note there is a limited number of compost and bag liners will be available.

This event is part of National Food Waste Recycling Week, which aims to highlight the progress made in brown bin usage and address the ongoing issue of contamination. With over 200,000 new brown bins rolled out nationwide since the beginning of 2024, Ireland now boasts approximately 1.2 million brown bin owners who are enthusiastically embracing food waste recycling. However, a recent study of over 1,000 adults has revealed that contamination remains a concern, posing a risk to the quality of compost and hindering our efforts towards a circular economy. To ensure proper use of the brown bin service, it is important to adhere to the guidelines on what can and cannot be placed in the brown bin.

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, greasy pizza boxes as well as grass clippings and light garden waste, including hedge clippings, spent compost and dead plants.

What cannot go into the brown bin?

To avoid contamination, remember to remove all packaging from food waste and avoid adding large branches, stones, rubble, plastic plant pots, barbeque coals or other non-compostable materials from your brown bin.

To help combat contamination, MyWaste.ie offers these tips:

• Take a Minute: As the research shows, being in a hurry is a major contributor to contamination. Slow down and double-check what you’re throwing away.
• Say No to Bin Intruders: Be aware of common contaminants like onion netting, flower bands, and plastic-wrapped vegetables. Remove these items before placing food or garden waste in the brown bin.
• When in Doubt, Check it Out: Use the MyWaste.ie website or your Waste Collectors guidelines to confirm what can and cannot go in your brown bin.
• Use Compostable Liners: To make brown bin management even easier, MyWaste.ie recommends using certified compostable liners in your kitchen caddy. These liners break down naturally during the composting process, keeping your bin clean and preventing odours.

For more information on proper usage, please visit mywaste.ie for a comprehensive A-Z guide, helpful tips, and answers to frequently asked questions or download our handy bin stickers from the National Food Waste Recycling Week toolkit here.