Dublin's ban on bin bags not working as well as it should, business group says

One of Dublin’s leading business groups has said the ban on bin bags on the streets of the city is not working as well as it should.

The ban currently prohibits residents and businesses from placing bin bags and refuse sacks on the city's footpaths.

The recent installation of on street waste compactors was introduced to try and tackle litter and pest issues caused by foxes, rodents and gulls ripping open bags.

The new process means that businesses myst now use the compactors or make other arrangements with waste collection companies.

Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney said more needs to be done, especially by waste collection companies to make it work.

“It is experiencing very real teething problems. 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. 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.”