What goes in the general waste bin

What Should You Really Toss in a General Waste Bin in Ireland?

Sorting waste can be a bit of a head-scratcher, especially with all the different bins and rules. To keep things simple and help you out, here’s a quick guide on what goes in the general waste bin in Ireland. Let’s make waste management easy and hassle-free!

1. Nappies

Parents, this one’s for you. Used nappies definitely belong in the general waste bin. Remember to wrap them up tightly to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

2. Kitchen Roll and Tissues

Got dirty kitchen roll or tissues? These can’t be recycled, so they need to go straight into the general waste.

3. Hoover Bags

After a good vacuuming session, the contents of your hoover bag should be emptied into the bin. Dust bunnies belong here!

4. Ashes (Cold)

If you have a fireplace, make sure the ashes are completely cold before disposing of them in the bin. Safety first!

5. Food-Soiled Paper

Anything like greasy pizza boxes or used paper plates should go here. Clean paper can be recycled, but food-soiled ones can’t.

6. Pet Waste

Pet owners, all that cat litter and dog waste should be securely bagged and placed in the bin.

7. Plastic Bags

While some plastic items are recyclable, plastic bags generally aren’t. Pop them in the bin unless your local recycling centre specifies otherwise.

8. Broken Dishes and Glassware

Unfortunately, these can’t be recycled due to their different composition from recyclable glass. Wrap them carefully to avoid any hazards and throw them in the bin.

9. Polystyrene

This material is tricky to recycle, so items like polystyrene food containers or packing peanuts should go in your waste bin.

10. Non-Recyclable Plastics

Items like black plastic food trays and certain types of packaging can’t be recycled. When in doubt, it’s safer to place these in the general waste.

11. Textile Waste

Old clothes that are too worn out to donate or recycle belong in the general waste. Ensure they’re clean and bagged up.

12. Personal Hygiene Products

Items like cotton wool, sanitary products, and cotton buds should also be disposed of in the general waste bin.

13. Small Broken Toys

If they’re too broken to be donated and can’t be recycled, small plastic or mixed-material toys should go in the general waste.

Remember, knowing what goes where helps keep our waste management system efficient and environmentally friendly. Happy sorting!