Understanding Your Waste: Why Nearly Two-Thirds of Your General Waste is in the Wrong Bin
The Problem: 64% in the Wrong Bin
An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study has revealed something that affects every household in Ireland: 64% of what we put in our general waste bins doesn’t belong there. Nearly two-thirds could be recycled, composted, or brought to civic amenity sites instead.
This isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s directly impacting your wallet. Many waste plans charge higher rates for general waste compared to recycling and organic bins, meaning every item in the wrong bin could be adding to your costs.
What’s Going in the Wrong Bin?
The most common items ending up in general waste that shouldn’t be there:
Should be in your brown bin: Food waste
Should be in your recycling bin: Cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, metal cans
Should go to recycling centres: Clothes, electronics, batteries
Not sure what goes where? Download our handy guides:
- Green Bin Guide – What Can Be Recycled
- Brown Bin Guide – Organic & Food Waste
- Black Bin Guide – General Waste Only
The EU Targets (And Why They Affect Your Charges)
Ireland is required to meet strict EU recycling targets, and we’re currently falling short. The country faces significant fines from the European Union for missing these targets.
Current EU targets for Ireland:
- 55% of municipal waste must be recycled by 2025
- 60% by 2030
- 65% by 2035
These fines impact public budgets and services, but they also influence waste collection costs across the board. When more households sort waste incorrectly, it drives up processing costs and makes it harder for Ireland to meet targets – costs that eventually affect everyone’s charges.
When you sort waste correctly, you’re helping Ireland avoid these penalties while also optimising your own waste costs.
Simple Changes, Real Savings
Here’s what makes the difference:
✓ Check before you bin – Two seconds of thought can save you money
✓ Rinse recyclables – Contaminated items can’t be recycled and end up costing more to process
✓ Actually use your brown bin – Food waste is heavy. In general waste it’s expensive; in your brown bin it costs far less
✓ Flatten cardboard – Get more in your recycling bin and keep it out of costly general waste
✓ When in doubt, check our guide
The Bottom Line
Most of us are overpaying for our bins without realising it. By simply putting things in the right place, you can reduce your waste costs and help Ireland meet EU targets at the same time.
It’s not complicated – we’re just not doing it yet.
