Bin bag ban backfires as some businesses say they can't even use new compactors
Dublin’s big bag ban is leaving businesses stranded without the fobs to get rid of piled up waste.
Businesses say that banning bin bags on the streets of Dublin is “not working as well as it should”. Dublin Town, who represent the collective voice of businesses in the city centre, has highlighted the “teething problems” seen following the latest phase of Dublin City Council ’s 3-Pillar Waste Management Strategy .
While the installation of large waste compactors in the city was supposed to eliminate the need for plastic bags, businesses say things have not been quite so simple. Rather than seamlessly transfer to a new system where businesses bring their waste to the compactors, Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney explained there has been “major confusion” with waste providers which has caused delays.
Mr Guiney revealed businesses have experienced difficulties getting fobs to even use the compactors in the first place. He said: “Compactors have been found to be not working properly on occasion, leading to businesses having to haul waste bags back to premises which do not have storage facilities for waste.
“Businesses have also found planned waste collections from their premises have not taken place, again leaving businesses with a pile up of waste. This is simply unacceptable, and greater engagement is required. Upper-storey businesses, and those with a lack of storage, are finding it difficult to manage.
“The bin bag ban is a wonderful idea, but it is not currently working as it should. More needs to be done by waste collectors, and Dublin City Council, working with the local business community, to come up with practical solutions to ensure city centre streets are free of bin bags.
“We will continue to advocate for the presentation of our city as an attractive and welcoming location. Dublin Town expressed concerns when waste collection was privatised in the city.
“And it has previously expressed a preference for waste collection to be brought back under local authority control. It believes, in the absence of greater engagement to make the current system work, alternatives will have to be found.”
The ban prohibits businesses and residents placing plastic refuse sacks on footpaths. It was introduced to crack down on severe litter and pest issues caused by gulls, foxes and rodents ripping open loose bags, as well as individuals tearing sacks.
When working correctly, the concept involves businesses buying bags from their waste collector, bringing waste to the compactor, and using a fob to open the drum. The bag is weighed, and the user receives a bill.
The ban has extends beyond businesses to include household waste as well, with Stoneybatter residents expressing concern about the wheelie bin or stacked cabbie alternatives offered. Over 300 people attended a public meeting expressing frustration at the ban in Stoneybatter on Monday.
Local Labour TD Marie Sherlock hosted the meeting at Scout Hall and said “the outcome is clear” and “ Dublin City Council must now press the reset button” on their planned removal of the waste collection service from the area. While Ms Sherlock believes a bin bag ban could be crucial in the “fight to keep the streets cleaner,” she described the council’s implementation of the idea as “a botched effort”.
“Our meeting reflects the significant anger from the community about the lack of consultation regarding the proposed ban on bin-bags. The reality is that these botched changes reflect the level of dysfunction when it comes to waste management in our city,” Ms Sherlock said.
“Instead of Dublin City Council taking ownership over alternatives and making the bin-bag ban workable, they have left it to private companies to bring the solutions. This is a complete abdication of responsibility towards residents.”
Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment.
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