Compost Giveaway Encourages Sustainable Practices and Highlights Value of Food Scraps

In celebration of National Food Waste Recycling Week, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, in collaboration with Thorntons Recycling and Hope Eco, held a Compost giveaway in Ballyogan Recycling Centre this week.   The event raised awareness about the importance of food waste recycling and shared the benefits of a circular food economy.

Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commented:

“This event is a great example of how simple actions—like using your brown bin—can have a big impact. Giving back compost made from food waste shows people the full circle of recycling and helps build a stronger, greener community.”

Over 350 bags of high-quality compost made from recycled food and garden waste were given away at the free event as well as rolls of Hope Eco compostable bags, and informative leaflets with practical tips on how to recycle food waste effectively and start composting at home. The initiative encouraged residents to see the value in their food scraps which are transformed into nutrient rich compost thanks to food waste recycling.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added:

“We’re delighted with the turnout and enthusiasm for this year’s compost giveaway. It’s a practical way to show how food waste can be turned into something valuable and to thank our residents for recycling their waste. Events like this help us move closer to our climate goals and support residents in making sustainable choices.”

According to MyWaste.ie, two thirds of Irish Households now have a brown bin. However, a recent survey revealed 33% admit to knowingly putting incorrect items in their brown bin, a figure that rises to 50% amongst 18–34-year-olds.  For this reason, the national campaign has taken on brown bin contamination as its messaging focus for this year. Event attendees were alerted to common “Brown Bin Intruders” such as onion netting, plastic around vegetables and rocks and stones.

The Compost Giveaway was part of the Council’s broader efforts to promote climate action, sustainable living and a circular economy in dlr.  For more information on National Food Waste Recycling Week and to learn how to correctly dispose of your waste, visit MyWaste.ie.