Dublin City Council recently announced a new waste regulation that will impact businesses in the city center. The regulation, which covers 90 streets, will ban the use of plastic refuse sacks on select streets starting from September 16. Businesses that fail to comply with the new rules could face fines of €150.
For nearly a decade, thousands of homes and businesses in Dublin have been exempt from using wheelie bins due to limited space for waste storage. This exemption has led to an increase in litter issues, with vermin, seagulls, foxes, and pets tearing apart plastic bin bags, causing a mess on the streets.
The situation has worsened in recent years due to the introduction of the deposit return scheme, which incentivizes people to rip open bags in search of bottles and cans for cash refunds. In response to these challenges, Dublin City Council has been exploring alternatives to plastic bin bags to address the litter problem.
The new regulations will apply to all “retail, commercial, and residential buildings” on the 90 designated streets in the city center. While the council has acknowledged the concerns raised by some businesses about not having enough space for wheelie bins, they have emphasized the need for compliance with the new rules.
Dublin City Council has been in discussions with waste collectors since July to ensure a smooth transition for businesses affected by the new regulations. The council believes that the transition period until January 2025 will provide enough time for businesses to adjust to the new waste management strategy.
A Dublin City Council spokesperson stated that fines of €150 will be issued under the Litter Pollution Act for non-compliance once the derogations are removed. The council has also released a full list of the 90 streets that will be impacted by the new regulations, with the initial phase targeting streets on the south side of the city.
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Challenges Faced by Businesses
Despite the council’s efforts to address the litter issues in the city, some businesses have voiced concerns about the new regulations. Many businesses in the city center, particularly those on the south side, have limited space for waste storage and are worried about how they will comply with the ban on plastic bin bags.
Waste Collection Options
In response to the concerns raised by businesses, Dublin City Council has advised waste collection companies to explore alternative waste collection options. These options include removing traffic restrictions for waste collection vehicles, providing on-street waste storage containers, and offering on-street mobile compactors.
Future Plans and Expansion
Looking ahead, the council plans to expand the new waste management strategy to the commercial district on the north side of the city in Phase 2. They aim to implement a similar system that prioritizes full compliance with the regulations to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable city environment.
Overall, the new waste regulation introduced by Dublin City Council aims to address the litter issues caused by plastic refuse sacks in the city center. While businesses may face challenges in adjusting to the new rules, the council is working with waste collectors to provide alternative waste collection options and facilitate a smooth transition. By promoting compliance with the regulations, the council hopes to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment for residents, businesses, and visitors in Dublin.