Europe is all about recycling now, and Ireland is no exception. When you move here, you must respect local habits and follow the regulations about rubbish removal. In this guide, we’ll explore Ireland's approach to waste management to help you get started on the right foot. Let’s dive into the history and practices that make Ireland a sustainable country!
A brief history of recycling in Ireland
Recycling rules in Ireland
Costs and fees
What to do with other trash
Irish recycled products
A brief history of recycling in Ireland
Hop on our time travel machine, we’re going back to the 90s — when the global surge in production brought a growing pile of waste. The Irish government took notice and took action. In 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established, marking a turning point for recycling policies in Ireland. Over the years, new recycling rules were developed to manage waste more effectively. Fast forward to 2001, the “Bring Banks” program was launched, offering accessible recycling points across the country. Waste management is a key focus today, helping Ireland take giant strides toward a greener future. Save-the-planet mentality is what's attractive about Ireland why we love Ireland, but what are the others? Find out in our article about pros and cons of living in Ireland.
Recycling rules in Ireland
What are the options for recycling your household waste in Ireland?
Recycling facilities
It includes Bring Banks, civic amenity sites, recycling centres, and the Deposit Return Scheme — you can find the nearest one on mywaste.ie.
Each location accepts specific waste, so be sure to double-check before starting your rubbish removal.
Bring banks are for glass bottles, drinks, food cans, and sometimes clothes.
The Deposit Return Scheme is for recycling bottles and cans.
Civic amenities are much more diverse. You can bring anything from paper to DIY waste, electrical equipment and oil.
Recycling centres accept fewer types of waste than civic amenities (for example, no bulky items). Still, here you can buy home composting bins and ask staff about the details of recycling in Ireland.
Your recycling bin
Private companies collect waste in Ireland, and you should contact them or your local authority to ask for specific rules. Typically, you will have three types of bins:
- Green bins for recyclable waste;
- Brown bins for organic waste;
- Black bins for general waste.
For more information about waste management, visit citizensinformation.ie. New recycling rules may appear, so keep an eye on this website.
Kerbside collections
You can use kerbside collection with the same logic as your own recycling bins if they are available.
Costs and fees
Unfortunately, capitalism took over recycling, too. The great news, though, is that usually, you don’t have to pay when using Bring banks, civic amenity sites and recycling centres (in the last two, you may be charged for specific items, but it all depends)
When it comes to private companies, they do take charge. We recommend you to compare refuse collection prices before signing a contract with the bin company.
Overall, recycling in Ireland is affordable, so you can easily contribute to the safety of our planet. Do you know what you also can do easily? Transfer money back home to your family and friends with fast and secure Profee transfers.
What to do with other trash
Hazardous waste
- Pharmacies accept medical waste.
- Local authorities may organize points of collection for hazardous waste.
- Some civic amenity centres accept certain types of dangerous waste.
Batteries, vapes and e-cigarretes
Find a Blue Battery box and put the product in it, or return it to the store (for vapes and cigarettes).
Support Irish recycled products
Here is where magic begins: you throw your waste, and then it becomes a new product: some companies give things a second life. One of the most noticeable programs is Irish Recycled Products, where you can buy gates, fences, constructions, garden sets, etc. It's all made of recycled waste and looks nice. Check their website if you’re interested.
Conclusion
Waste management and rubbish removal in Ireland are designed to be as straightforward as possible, from comprehensive recycling centres to the support for Irish recycled products. Once you get the hang of it, recycling here becomes second nature. Embrace these practices and contribute to Ireland’s growing efforts in sustainability. Every small action, like sorting your waste or comparing refuse collection prices, helps make a big difference.
When living in Ireland don’t forget to support your family back home with fast and secure Profee transfers.
