Bin bag ban not working says Dublin Town

The ban on bin bags on the streets of Dublin City centre is not working as well as it should, according to the area’s leading business group.

Following the installation of large on-street waste compactors, Dublin City Council’s bin bag ban prohibits businesses and residents placing plastic refuse sacks on footpaths, Dublin Town has said.

The measure 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.

Businesses must now use the new compactors, or make alternative arrangements with waste collection companies.

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.

However, Dublin Town, which represents the interests of 2,500 members, says that while the concept is excellent, more needs to be done, especially by waste management companies, to make it work.

“It is experiencing very real teething problems,” said Dublin Town CEO, Richard Guiney.

“Businesses are reporting major confusion with waste providers and have experienced delays or difficulties in getting required fobs for compactors.

“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,” Mr Guiney added.

“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.”