Fixing the waste problem in Dublin
Local Problem, National Solutions
Illegal dumping and littering are the scourge of so many communities in our city and beyond. We believe we have a dysfunctional waste collection system in our city.
Bin companies get to drive by illegally dumped bags or burst bags strewn all over the ground, the onus is on residents to have to report it, and the City Council have to come and clean up the mess and there is underinvestment in recycling and composting facilities.
Waste management should be about keeping our streets clean, not making a profit.
Ultimately, if we are to see greater investment in shared collection points, more recycling, more composting and greater control and resources into waste then we need to change how this work is done and who does this work.
Here's some more on my ideas in the news:
Some facts on waste
- This year over €71m is being spent by Dublin City Council on street cleaning, collecting 3000 tonnes of illegally dumped bags, recycling facilities, landfill recovery and waste enforcement.
- Over 900 streets in Dublin currently have derogations from the ban on bin bags. This is being lifted on 90 streets on the Southside, but there is still no clear plan for the Northside.
- Since January 2024, all households under law should have a brown bin collection. Those with bags currently have not been offered the service and bin companies tell us that they believe they are exempt.
- Bin costs are set to rise next year AGAIN – as waste collection companies will not be able to export waste beyond EU borders.
- National waste recycling rates are on course to fall far short of the EU targets by 2025. Ireland is particularly poor at plastics recycling (Irel: 28%, target: 50%) and in having municipal recycling/bring centres (Irel: 41%, target: 55%).
National policy change we need
- Change who collects waste. Introduce a single waste operator for Dublin – amend the Waste Management Act 1996 to allow local authorities to have a single tender for waste collection. We believe this must pave the way for the re-municipalisation of waste collection into local authorities.
- Change how waste is collected. We need to see the introduction of shared collection points, consideration of underground waste collection units, greater numbers of bring centres within walking distance of every community and the introduction of composting services there. That must mean much greater funding for Local Government.
- Change who holds the bin contract. There are many reasons for illegal dumping- overcrowded accommodation and a lack of landlord responsibility is one. Landlords must be made accountable for bin collection for the properties they rent out.