Introduction of Waste Recovery Levy & Increase to Landfill Levy
From September 1, a new Black Bin Levy of €10 per tonne will come into effect. This levy is being brought in by the Irish Government’s with the aim of reducing waste sent to incineration and increase recycling efforts. While this may seem like a small change, the government think it will have a big impact on how often we use the black bin in Ireland. Here we discuss the Irish Government’s new black bin levy and how it affects you.
What is the black bin levy?
The black bin levy is a tax on waste that is not recycled or composted. This waste is sent for energy recovery or incineration. The idea behind of the levy is to encourage recycling and composting to reduce the waste being sent away in a black bin.
Why is this being implemented?
The Irish government is not on target to increase our recycling rate of waste to 55% by 2025. Currently in Ireland we are recycling roughly 40% of our waste. This ambitious target is part of a larger plan to transition to a more circular economy.
A circular economy will really drive down our waste and create a system where resources are in use for as long as possible. By implementing the black bin levy, the government will incentivise people to recycle and compost more while also reduce black bin waste overall.
In a recent interview IWMA secretary Conor Walsh said
“Ireland is not on track to meet the EU 2025 target of 55pc recycling of municipal wastes. Today only 41pc of municipal waste will be recycled. The IWMA supports all efforts to increase recycling,”.
How could the new black bin levy affect you?
If you are someone who does not currently recycle or compost, you may see an increase in your waste disposal costs. Now is a great time to start researching how you can do more for the environment by segregating and reducing your household waste.
What can you do to reduce your waste?
Firstly, make sure you are recycling correctly. This means separating your waste properly and not contaminating recycling bins with non-recyclable materials. You can also try to reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying in bulk and avoiding single-use plastics. Finally, consider composting your food waste at home or in a brown bin.
We typically find 2 counter compost bins work well. One kitchen counter bin for cooked-food waste and meat. Then a second for organic material that will easily break down in your garden.
This is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you produce and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
The Irish Black Bin Levy is a small change that will have a big impact on the environment in Ireland. By encouraging people to recycle more and reduce waste overall, the government is taking a step towards a more sustainable future. While it may lead to an increase in costs for some households and businesses, the items above are some of the things you can do to reduce your waste to create a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.
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