Everything in your black bin is sent to a waste-to-energy facility. In some areas, general
waste is burned to generate electricity. It doesn’t reuse or recycle anything. That’s why it’s
important to try and keep recyclable and food waste out of the black bin.
The blue bin for recycling
Waste from blue recycling bins is taken to sorting centres, where materials like cardboard
and plastic can be separated and prepared for reuse. These materials are then sold to be made
into new products, in Ireland or abroad. But contamination is a problem. If a recycling bin
contains the wrong materials (like greasy pizza boxes or nappies) it can spoil a whole load.
Material going into the blue bin needs to be clean, dry and loose.
The brown bin for food and garden waste
All householders in Ireland are entitled to a brown bin service from their waste collector.
Food and garden waste in the brown bin is sent to be composted or turned into biogas.
When it can’t go in the bin
Some things can’t go in your bins, like electronics, batteries, vapes or bulky items. These should be brought to your local recycling centre or civic amenity site. MyWaste.ie can tell you where to go.
