Sort It! – How Segregated Bins Can Cut Your Waste Costs

Waste management in the workplace isn’t just about being green — it’s about saving money too.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste bills is bin segregation: making sure different waste streams are separated at source. When you “sort it” in the office, warehouse, café, or showroom, you’re cutting contamination, reducing landfill charges, and maximising recycling rebates.

Here are some practical tips to get started:

1. Know Your Waste Streams

In Ireland, most commercial premises will benefit from separating into:

• General Waste (black or grey bin)

• Mixed Recycling (green bin)

• Food Waste (brown bin)
  Some workplaces might also need dedicated bins for glass, cardboard, or confidential shredding. Check our ‘what can go in your bin’ guide — and make sure everyone knows what goes where.

2. Position Bins Where the Waste Happens

People are more likely to sort correctly when it’s easy.

• Place bins in kitchens, staff rooms, print stations, and near desks.

• For retail or hospitality, put them back-of-house and at customer points.
  Avoid the “single lonely bin” in the corner — it just becomes a dumping ground for everything.

3. Use Clear Labelling & Colour Coding

Labels with photos of what goes in each bin work best — especially for new staff or visitors.
Stick to standard Irish colours where possible:

• Black/Grey for General Waste

• Green for Recycling

• Brown for Food Waste
  The less people have to think, the better the segregation will be.

4. Train Your Team (and Keep It Fresh)

A short briefing or toolbox talk can make a big difference.

• Explain why segregation matters (lower costs, better for the planet, avoids fines).

• Do quick “bin audits” every few months and share the results with the team.

• Celebrate improvements — a simple email or shout-out works wonders.

5. Monitor Your Costs & Volumes

We can supply reports showing weight per waste stream.

• If your general waste volumes drop, you’ll see the savings in your bill.

• More recycling = fewer landfill charges.
  Some companies have cut their waste costs by 20–40% just by improving segregation.

The Bottom Line:
Segregated bins aren’t just good for the environment — they’re good for your budget. By making it easy for staff and customers to sort correctly, you’ll reduce disposal costs, improve recycling rates, and help Ireland meet its waste targets.

#SortItCampaign #Sustainability #OfficeRecycling #EcoFriendly #GreenOffice #WasteManagement

Let’s Work Together & Sort It! at Work

As the focus on sustainability continues to grow, offices have become key areas where significant environmental impact can be made. Implementing sustainable practices within the workplace not only helps the environment but can also create a more positive and engaging work culture. In this blog post, we’ll share some handy hints to help improve recycling efforts and promote sustainability among workers in your office.

1. Set Up Clearly Labelled Recycling Stations

One of the simplest ways to encourage recycling in the office is by setting up clearly labelled recycling stations. Ensure that bins for paper, plastics, glass, and general waste are easily accessible and clearly marked. This reduces confusion and makes it easier for employees to dispose of their waste correctly.

Tip: Place recycling stations in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, near printers, and in break rooms. Include posters or guides above the bins to remind staff of what can and cannot be recycled.

2. Encourage Paperless Practices

The digital age offers countless opportunities to reduce paper use in the office. Encourage employees to embrace paperless practices by using digital documents, emails, and cloud storage instead of printing.

Tip: Set printers to double-sided printing by default and encourage staff to think before they print. Offer training sessions on digital tools that can help reduce paper usage, such as PDF editing software or cloud collaboration platforms.

3. Reuse Office Supplies

Before purchasing new office supplies, consider whether existing items can be reused or repurposed. Items like file folders, binders, and envelopes can often be used multiple times before they need to be replaced.

Tip: Create a designated area for reusable supplies where employees can drop off or pick up items they no longer need. This can reduce the demand for new supplies and minimize waste.

4. Promote the Use of Reusable Items

Encourage employees to use reusable items such as coffee mugs, water bottles, and lunch containers. This reduces the amount of single-use plastic and paper waste generated in the office.

Tip: Provide reusable items branded with the company logo as part of an eco-friendly welcome pack for new employees. Consider setting up a dishwasher in the office kitchen to make it easier for staff to clean and reuse their items.

5. Organise Office Recycling Challenges

Make recycling fun by organizing office-wide recycling challenges. Set goals for reducing waste or increasing recycling rates, and offer rewards for teams or individuals who achieve the best results.

Tip: Track the office’s recycling progress and share updates regularly. Consider rewarding the winning team with a lunch outing, extra break time, or a donation to an environmental charity in their name.

6. Educate and Engage Employees

Education is key to improving sustainability in the workplace. Provide regular training sessions or workshops on recycling and sustainable practices. Share tips and success stories in company newsletters or on the intranet.

Tip: Invite guest speakers from local recycling organizations or environmental groups to give presentations or hold Q&A sessions with employees. This can provide valuable insights and inspire further action.

7. Implement a Green Office Program

Consider implementing a formal green office program that includes policies and practices focused on sustainability. This can range from simple initiatives like energy-saving measures to comprehensive programs that address all aspects of office operations.

Tip: Establish a “Green Team” of volunteers who are passionate about sustainability. They can help drive the program, monitor progress, and come up with new ideas to improve the office’s environmental impact.

8. Reduce Energy Consumption

Encouraging energy-saving habits is another important aspect of sustainability. Simple actions like turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and setting computers to sleep mode can make a big difference.

Tip: Install motion sensors for office lighting in less frequently used areas such as storage rooms and bathrooms. Encourage staff to unplug chargers and electronics when they’re not in use to avoid phantom energy drain.

Conclusion

Improving sustainability in the office is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the overall well-being and morale of employees. By implementing these handy hints, you can create a more eco-friendly workplace that encourages recycling and sustainable practices among workers. Let’s work together to make our offices greener and more responsible places to work.

#SortItCampaign #Sustainability #OfficeRecycling #EcoFriendly #GreenOffice #WasteManagement

Encouraging sustainable habits in the workplace is a collective effort. Start small, but think big—every action counts toward a more sustainable future!

Let’s Sort It! & Compost Our Food Waste

Food waste is one of the most significant environmental challenges we face today. In Ireland, approximately 750,000 tonnes of food waste are generated each year​ (Home). Composting is an effective way to manage this waste, turning it into valuable resources instead of letting it end up in landfills. In this blog post, we’ll explore how composting food waste contributes to the circular economy and helps reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill.

Contributing to the Circular Economy

A circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. By composting food waste, we can transform organic materials into nutrient-rich compost, which can then be used to improve soil health and support sustainable agriculture.

Benefits of Composting to the Circular Economy:

• Resource Efficiency: Composting turns waste into a valuable resource, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving soil fertility.
• Sustainable Agriculture: The compost produced from food waste can be used in gardens, farms, and public green spaces, supporting the growth of healthy plants and crops.
• Waste Reduction: Composting reduces the volume of waste that needs to be processed and disposed of, creating a closed-loop system where organic waste is continually recycled and reused.

In Ireland, approximately 590,000 tonnes of organic waste, including food waste, were accepted for treatment at composting and anaerobic digestion facilities in 2021​ (Home). This significant volume of waste being composted demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to embracing circular economy principles.

Reducing the Amount of Food Waste Going to Landfill

Sending food waste to landfills has severe environmental consequences. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, landfills are a significant source of pollution and can have detrimental effects on surrounding ecosystems.

Impact of Reducing Food Waste in Landfills:

• Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Composting food waste instead of sending it to landfills reduces methane emissions, helping to mitigate climate change.
• Landfill Diversion: By composting food waste, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, extending the lifespan of existing landfill sites and reducing the need for new ones.
• Pollution Prevention: Landfills can leach harmful substances into the soil and water, leading to environmental degradation. Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills helps minimize this risk.

Ireland has made strides in managing food waste, but there is still much work to be done. By increasing composting rates and reducing food waste sent to landfills, Ireland can continue to make progress toward its environmental goals.

Make the Most of Your Brown Compost Bin!

Your brown compost bin is an easy and efficient way to dispose of organic waste while helping the environment. Instead of worrying about setting up a compost bin at home, simply place your food scraps and organic waste directly into the brown bin. This includes fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even yard waste. By doing this, you ensure that your waste is turned into nutrient-rich compost that can benefit gardens and green spaces. Plus, it helps reduce landfill waste and cuts down on odours. So next time you’re about to toss out your food waste, remember to use your brown bin—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Conclusion

Composting food waste is a powerful tool in the fight against environmental degradation. By contributing to the circular economy and reducing the amount of food waste going to landfill, composting helps create a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. Ireland’s efforts in composting are commendable, but there is always room for improvement. By participating in composting, you can play a vital role in supporting these efforts and making a positive impact on the environment.

#SortItCampaign #Composting #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #WasteReduction #EcoFriendly #SaveThePlanet

Start composting today and be part of the solution to reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. Every small effort counts in making a big difference!

Food Waste? Let’s Sort It! Properly

Proper waste segregation is a critical aspect of effective waste management. One of the most significant components of this process is the separation of food waste. In this blog post, we will explore how separating food waste can (a) reduce contamination of recyclables and (b) recover food waste for composting, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Reducing Contamination of Recyclables

When food waste is mixed with recyclables, it can contaminate the entire batch. This contamination makes it difficult, if not impossible, to recycle these materials effectively. Contaminated recyclables often end up in landfills, defeating the purpose of recycling programs.

Impact of Contamination:

• Quality Reduction: Food residues can degrade the quality of recyclable materials, making them less suitable for processing.
• Increased Costs: Contaminated recyclables require additional sorting and cleaning, increasing the costs for recycling facilities.
• Landfill Overflow: Contaminated recyclables often end up in landfills, contributing to waste management challenges.

Recovering Food Waste for Composting

Separating food waste not only reduces contamination but also allows for the recovery of organic materials for composting. Composting is an environmentally friendly way to manage food waste, turning it into valuable compost that can enrich soil and support agriculture.

Benefits of Composting:

• Soil Health: Compost adds essential nutrients to the soil, improving its fertility and structure.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gases: Composting organic waste reduces methane emissions from landfills, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Resource Conservation: Using compost reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, conserving natural resources.

In Ireland, approximately 750,000 tonnes of food waste were generated in 2022. Composting facilities accepted around 590,000 tonnes of organic waste for treatment, showcasing the potential of composting in managing food waste effectively.

Steps to Proper Food Waste Segregation

1. Set Up Separate Bins: Use dedicated bins for food waste, recyclables, and general waste.
2. Educate Household Members: Ensure everyone in the household understands the importance of separating food waste.
3. Use Compostable Bags: Line your food waste bin with compostable bags to make the process cleaner and easier.
4. Compost at Home: If possible, set up a composting system at home to manage your food waste directly.

Separating food waste is a simple yet powerful step towards improving waste management. By reducing contamination of recyclables and recovering valuable organic material for composting, we can contribute to a more sustainable environment. Ireland’s progress in recycling and composting highlights the importance of continued efforts in waste segregation. Let’s all play our part in the ‘Sort It’ campaign and make a positive impact on our planet.

#SortItCampaign #FoodWaste #Composting #Recycling #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #WasteManagement #SaveThePlanet

By participating in proper waste segregation, you are not only helping to reduce landfill waste but also supporting a circular economy. Together, we can make a significant difference.

Galway United Signs Up for Sustainability with The City Bin Co.

—and this season, we’re taking that quite literally! We’re delighted to announce that we are now Galway United’s official Sustainability Partner, helping to make Eamonn Deacy Park a cleaner, greener place for fans and players alike.

Three Up Front: Recycling, Waste, and Sustainability

As part of this partnership, we’ll be providing waste management services for all stadium events, ensuring that every matchday at Eamonn Deacy Park is as environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve also designed brand-new signage to help supporters Sort It! and use the correct bin with ease.

Each waste station now features clear, fan-friendly signage showing what items go into which bin, making recycling a simple part of the matchday experience. And, of course, the bins themselves are placed directly in front of their relevant information, so there’s no confusion—just clean, efficient waste sorting.

We’ll also be tracking recycling rates and waste levels throughout the season, aiming for zero contamination in our recycling bins. Later in the year, we’ll even introduce carbon emissions tracking, giving a full picture of the environmental impact.

Galway United Aiming for the Top of the Recycling League

Football is all about stats, and we’ll be keeping an eye on the numbers here too! Each home match programme will include updates on how the team (that’s you, the fans!) is doing in keeping waste sorted correctly.

We want Galway United to top the table in recycling rates across the league—and with your help, we can make it happen.

Fans Can Make the Difference

This initiative isn’t just about bins—it’s about building a culture of sustainability. We’ll be sharing guest posts on Galway United’s social media throughout the season, providing tips and insights on waste management.

As the season progresses, we’ll introduce competitions and challenges, with prizes for fans who get involved in making Eamonn Deacy Park Ireland’s most sustainable stadium. We’ll even compare our recycling rates with other clubs to see how Galway United stacks up against the competition!

And while we don’t have volunteers in place yet, we hope to trial a matchday stewarding system later in the year, helping supporters make the right recycling choices.

Coming Soon: An Exclusive Offer for Galway United Fans

For fans who want to bring their sustainability efforts home, we’ll soon be launching a household waste collection referral scheme. Stay tuned for details on how you can switch to The City Bin Co. and support your club while keeping your waste in check.

For now, let’s stay onside and focus on sorting it right on matchdays

A Guide to everyday recycling symbols

But, with so many symbols, it can get a little confusing. Our friends in Repak have compiled a simple guide to familiar symbols to help you make sense of it all.

Recycling symbols now appear on everyday items and packaging to keep you in the loop. The symbols will let you know if a product can or can’t be recycled.

It’s important that you can identify and understand these symbols so that you can play your part in recycling, always remembering to put the right thing in the right bin, CLEAN, DRY and LOOSE.

Below are some of the more common ones…

A relatively new logo to recognise. When you buy a drink in a container with the Re-turn logo, you are charged a small refundable deposit. You can then claim back the levy by returning the empty container.

This a European trademark and it means that suppliers and producers have contributed financially to the recycling of packaging in Europe. For example, Repak Members can use this symbol on their packaging as they pay fees to Repak to fund recycling in Ireland. The symbol does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable, has been recycled or will be recycled.

The Mobius symbol indicates that a product’s packaging can be recycled, not that it has been recycled or that it is accepted in all recycling collection systems. The symbol may be accompanied by a percentage figure in the middle to explain that x% of the packaging is recycled.

The ‘Tidyman’ symbol asks you not to litter.  It is a reminder to dispose of your waste carefully and thoughtfully.

MyWaste.ie (an initiative brought to you by the Regional Waste Management Offices on behalf of the Department of Climate Action, Communications and the Environment) has developed its own symbols for use on packaging in Ireland. This symbol indicates that packaging can be recycled in your household recycling bin. For more information see MyWaste.ie

The rest of the symbols can be found here.

Perfect Pumpkin Carving

Carve Your Pumpkin & Compost the Rest!

What do you need for pumpkin carving?

Forget fancy kits! Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you need to make the perfect Jack-O-Lantern.

Essential tools

• Small serrated knife or paring knife: Ideal for detailed patterns. Small knives are safer and easier to use than bigger ones.
• Ice cream scoop or large spoon: Perfect for scooping out the seeds and pulp. The curved edge makes it easy to scrape the sides clean.

Other handy tools

• Apple corer: Great for making small, round holes—perfect for adding details like polka dots.
• Marker: Use it to sketch your design before carving. Let the kids get creative too!
• Potato peeler: Useful for shaving the pumpkin’s skin to create different textures.
• Large bowl: Keep the seeds and pulp in a bowl for later — you can roast the seeds or compost everything!
• Metal biscuit cutters: Press these into the pumpkin for fun shapes like stars or moons.
• Lemon zester: Add fine details and textures without cutting all the way through.
• Templates and stencils: Not confident in your freehand skills? Stencils are a lifesaver.

—

Pumpkin carving tips

• Choose the right pumpkin: Fresh pumpkins stay intact longer. Look for vibrant color and a sturdy stem.
• Sketch your design: Draw it on paper first, then tape it to the pumpkin to use as a stencil.
• Cut big pieces first: Start with the larger sections, then clean up your design.
• Keep it fresh: Store your pumpkin in the fridge when not on display, and apply a thin layer of Vaseline along the cut edges to keep them from drying out.
• Choose the right light: Real candles give a traditional glow, but if your pumpkin is outdoors, fake tea lights are more weather-friendly.

—

How to carve the perfect pumpkin

1. Cut the top off: Grab a sharp serrated knife and cut the top of your pumpkin off—that’s your crown.

2. Scoop out the insides Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibres. Save the seeds if you want to roast them later! Put all the pulp into your brown bin if you’re not planning to eat it—we’ll make compost from it.

4. Carve your design Draw your spooky (or silly!) face with a marker. Use a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose, and mouth. Always cut away from yourself for safety.
5. Light it up Pop a tea light inside, light it, and put the crown back on. Your pumpkin is ready to shine!

—

Don’t forget: We want your leftover pumpkin!

When you’re done carving, toss the pulp and pieces into your brown compost bin. Not only will you have the spookiest house on the block, but you’ll also be helping us make rich compost. It’s a win-win for Halloween and the environment!

Happy Carving — and Composting!

Closing the Loop — The Life Cycle of Recycled Products

Recycling is more than just tossing your waste into the correct bin. Every item we recycle embarks on a transformative journey, contributing to a circular economy where materials are continuously reused and repurposed.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the life cycle of recycled products, how they are transformed into new materials, and why it’s important to continue improving recycling habits both at home and in the workplace. We’ll also highlight how Ireland is progressing with its recycling goals and provide actionable steps to make a bigger impact.

1. The Collection and Sorting Process

The first stage in the life cycle of a recycled product starts with proper sorting and collection. Once materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals are placed in the correct bins, they are collected by waste management companies and transported to sorting facilities. Here, recyclable materials are separated into different streams using both manual labour and automated machines.

Ireland’s Progress: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland achieved a municipal waste recycling rate of 41% in 2021​ Home. However, contamination remains an issue, which makes sorting even more critical to ensuring materials are properly recycled.

Tip: At home and at work, ensure that items placed in recycling bins are clean and sorted correctly to avoid contamination and increase the chances of successful recycling.

2. Processing and Manufacturing of Recycled Materials

Once the materials are sorted, they are sent to processing plants where they undergo transformation into raw materials. For example:

• Paper is cleaned, pulped, and remade into new paper products such as newspapers, office paper, and cardboard.
• Plastics are shredded, melted, and reformed into pellets that can be used to create new plastic items like packaging or outdoor furniture.
• Glass is crushed, melted, and reformed into new glass bottles or jars, often using less energy than creating new glass from raw materials.

Statistic: Ireland’s recycling efforts resulted in the collection of 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2021, with 58% being successfully recycled​ Home. By increasing recycling rates, we can ensure more materials are processed and repurposed.

3. The Role of Recycled Products in Manufacturing

The next stage in the life cycle of recycled products is their integration into new products. Many industries use recycled materials in manufacturing to reduce costs and lower their environmental impact. For example:

• Plastic bottles can be turned into fleece clothing, carpeting, or construction materials.
• Recycled metals such as aluminium are used to create everything from new cans to parts for vehicles.
• Recycled glass can be used in construction as an aggregate or even in making new glass containers.

This stage of the life cycle emphasizes the importance of separating materials for recycling, as manufacturers rely on clean and quality recycled content to create new products.

Tip: Encourage the purchase of products made from recycled materials both at home and in the office. This helps close the recycling loop and supports the continued demand for recycled goods.

4. Closing the Loop: Consumer Use of Recycled Products

After recycled materials are transformed into new products, they are once again introduced to consumers. The cycle continues when these items are used and, at the end of their lifespan, recycled once more.

For example:

• Recycled office paper can be used in the workplace, and when discarded properly, it can be recycled again into more paper products.
• A plastic bottle used by a consumer can be recycled and re-enter the market as part of a new product, like garden furniture.

Statistic: The use of recycled materials reduces the need for virgin raw materials. Recycling aluminium, for example, saves 95% of the energy required to produce aluminium from raw bauxite​ Home. By reusing materials, we conserve natural resources and lower carbon emissions.

5. Why Improving Recycling Habits Matters

The life cycle of recycled products illustrates how every item we recycle can make a difference in creating new products and reducing environmental impact. By recycling correctly at home and at work, we support this circular system, reducing the need for raw materials and conserving energy.

Challenges in Ireland: While Ireland has made significant progress, challenges remain. For example, plastic packaging recycling rates were only 32.7% in 2021, falling short of the EU’s upcoming targets​ Home. Increasing education on proper recycling and encouraging the use of recycled products can help Ireland meet these targets.

Conclusion

Understanding the life cycle of recycled products helps us realise the importance of recycling correctly. From collection to processing, and from manufacturing to consumer use, every item we recycle contributes to reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting the circular economy. Whether at home or in the workplace, by making small changes to improve recycling habits, we can have a big impact on the environment.

#SortItCampaign #LifeCycleOfRecycling #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #RecycledProducts #WasteManagement

Let’s all work together to improve our recycling habits and ensure that materials continue to be reused in Ireland’s growing circular economy.

Yes WEEE Can!

It’s no secret that we love our devices! Continuous advancements in technology bring new products and gadgets into our homes, resulting in old electronic goods that need to be disposed of. However, most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals that can be recovered, as well as harmful substances that need to be disposed of carefully.

All across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 22kg per head in 2023 compared to 16kgs just five years ago (according to WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan). Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods.

With old items still lying around many households we want to encourage people to recycle these for FREE.

Why should I recycle my electronic waste?

1. Electronics contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which must be disposed of correctly. By recycling your e-waste, you are reducing the number of harmful substances going to landfills.
2. Raw materials recovered from waste appliances can be recycled and reused.
3. To conserve natural resources as materials such as plastics, glass and metals are recovered for use again by manufacturers.

So, what is the best way to dispose of electronic waste?

1. Give your e-waste to a certified electronics recycler
   Recycling centres, not-for-profit organisations, such as WEEE Ireland and local civic amenity sites allow you to recycle your electronic waste for FREE! You will find an interactive map on the WEEE website that will guide you to your nearest local recycling centre, Public Collection Day, Electrical Retailer and Bulb Exchange Store.
2. Sell your outdated technology
   One man’s junk is another’s treasure. You can easily sell your old electronic appliances on an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace or Donedeal. Not only are you promoting the circular economy by giving your e-waste a new lease of life, but it is also a good chance to make some money.

3. Donate your old electronics
   If you do not wish to sell your outdated technology, there is always the option to donate it. Many charities in Ireland accept electronics.

When selling/donating electronic goods, it is important to ask 2 questions:

• Is it working properly?
• Is there any personal information saved on the computer/phone/laptop that should be deleted?

With all of that in mind, we are hosting a FREE electronics recycling event with WEEE Ireland in our recycling centre in Oranmore on Saturday the 5^th of October.  

People in Galway have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 2,748 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2023, and we want to encourage that trend.

What can I bring?
All household items with a plug or a battery will be accepted free of charge, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, and even watches.

Is it free?
Yes, to dispose of WEEE, but if you have other materials to dispose of there will be a small charge as normal.

Do I need to be a TCBC customer?
No – this is open to the general public as well as customers, everyone is welcome.

How much can I bring?
As much or as little as you want – there’s no cap on the amount, but bear in mind this is intended for household, not commercial, recycling.

What can’t I bring?
Industrial refrigeration, and anything that the team deems as potentially hazardous.

Where is the WEEE collection event?
The City Bin Co. Recycling Centre, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 EVW3

When is the WEEE collection event?
Saturday October 5^th from 10am – 4pm

About WEEE Ireland

WEEE Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation, founded by Producers of electrical and electronic appliances to help them comply with the legal obligations imposed by the EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC and WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.

WEEE Ireland manages the collection of household e-waste, lighting and solar PV equipment and batteries from authorised collection points for recycling, on behalf of its 1,300 producer members.

WEEE Ireland’s objective is to provide cost-effective quality compliance for producers to meet the requirements of the regulations whilst minimising the cost to the consumer.

Common Recycling Mistakes To Avoid

Recycling is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to contribute to a more sustainable planet.

However, even well-intentioned recyclers can make mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of recycling efforts. In Ireland, recycling contamination is a major issue that can lead to entire batches of recyclable material being sent to landfill instead of being reused. By identifying and avoiding common recycling mistakes, we can significantly improve recycling outcomes both at home and at work. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common recycling mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Placing Non-Recyclable Items in the Recycling Bin

One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming that everything can be recycled. Items such as soiled or dirty plastic bags, disposable coffee cups, and greasy pizza boxes are often mistakenly placed in recycling bins. These items can contaminate recyclable materials, making the whole batch unrecyclable.

Tip: Always check your local council’s guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled. In Ireland, the key recyclable items are clean plastic bottles and containers, paper, cardboard, and cans. Items like soiled or dirty plastic bags, and food-soiled packaging should not be placed in the recycling bin​ (Home).

Not Cleaning Recyclables Properly

Food residues and liquids left in containers can contaminate other recyclable materials, rendering them unfit for recycling. For example, a jar of peanut butter that hasn’t been rinsed can ruin an entire batch of paper or cardboard that comes into contact with it.

Tip: Take a few moments to rinse out bottles, jars, and containers before placing them in the recycling bin. This helps ensure that the materials can be properly processed without contamination.

Recycling Plastic Bags and Soft Plastics

In Ireland, plastic bags and soft plastics are a common source of recycling contamination. While many people assume they are recyclable, these items can cause issues in recycling plants by jamming machinery. Soft plastics like cling film, crisp packets, and shopping bags should not be placed in household recycling bins.

Statistic: According to Repak, an organization dedicated to recycling packaging in Ireland, only 32.7% of plastic packaging was recycled in 2022​ (Repak). Properly segregating soft plastics from recyclable materials is crucial to improving this rate.

Tip: Many supermarkets and large retailers offer dedicated bins for recycling soft plastics. Use these collection points for items like plastic bags and plastic film instead of your household recycling bin.

Recycling Coffee Cups and Takeaway Containers

Disposable coffee cups and certain takeaway containers are another common mistake. While they may seem like recyclable materials, most disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic, which makes them difficult to recycle. Similarly, many takeaway containers are contaminated with food, making them unsuitable for recycling.

Tip: Instead of recycling, look for dedicated composting solutions for food-contaminated containers or switch to reusable coffee cups and food containers. Many cafes now offer discounts if you bring your own cup.

Ignoring the “Check Locally” Label on Plastics

Some plastic items, especially those labelled with a recycling symbol and a number, might not be recyclable through your local system. These items often require specialized recycling facilities that are not available in all regions. The label “check locally” means that while the material might be technically recyclable, it isn’t accepted by all recycling programs.

Tip: Before recycling plastic items with unfamiliar symbols, visit your local council’s website to check what types of plastics are accepted in your area.

Not Flattening Cardboard Boxes

Large, unflattened cardboard boxes take up a lot of space in recycling bins and can cause inefficiencies in the collection process. If not properly flattened, they may also not be picked up for recycling.

Tip: Always flatten cardboard boxes before placing them in the recycling bin to save space and make collection easier.

Recycling Electronics in the General Recycling Bin

Old batteries, mobile phones, and other electronic devices should never be thrown into general recycling bins. Not only can they cause fires in waste facilities due to the batteries inside, but they also contain materials that need to be processed separately from standard recyclables.

Statistic: In 2022, Ireland collected 10.35 kg of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) per capita, surpassing the EU minimum collection target​ (Central Statistics Office). However, many electronics still end up in general waste streams.

Tip: Always bring old electronics to a dedicated WEEE collection point. These are available at recycling centres, electronic stores, and even some supermarkets.

Throwing Out Reusable Items

Finally, one of the most wasteful mistakes is throwing out items that can be reused. Many items, such as furniture, clothing, and appliances, can be repaired, donated, or repurposed instead of being discarded.

Tip: Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be donated, repurposed, or repaired. Many communities have “freecycling” groups where people can give away or pick up used items.

Conclusion

Improving recycling efforts at home and at work starts with avoiding common recycling mistakes. By being more mindful of what can and cannot be recycled, cleaning recyclables, and using the appropriate disposal methods for items like electronics and soft plastics, we can significantly reduce waste contamination and improve Ireland’s recycling rates.

Statistic: In 2021, Ireland’s overall recycling rate was 41% for municipal waste, with more progress needed to meet the 50% target set for 2025​ (Home). By reducing mistakes, we can help reach these goals and support a more sustainable future.