Household Waste By-Laws
New household by-laws are being put into place by your local authority, to motivate and ensure that everyone is actually doing their bit for the climate. These by-laws are enforced for the greater good, helping us to make that vital step towards improving the quality of recycled materials, reducing the amount of landfill waste with the vision to conserve the planet’s resources. This guide will explain all you need to know, so that you can hit the ground running and make your contribution a good one.
What’s a by-law?
It is a law that has been established (in this case) by the local authorities, that’s put into place to regain or bring about a degree of control to a subject matter (i.e. household waste). By-laws are typically created by business corporations and neighbourhood associations.
Technical information about household waste by-laws
Throughout Ireland the local authorities will be implementing household by-laws to encourage residents in houses, flats and even commercial buildings to manage waste responsibly.
Who do these by-laws apply to?
Everyone throughout Ireland, from domestic to commercial buildings, all must comply. As these household waste by-laws will be applied to everyone, there’s zero discrepancy and future environmental and practical changes will be more significant.
Why do we need these by-laws?
This will reduce the size of landfills and reduce carbon emissions too. Abiding to by-laws will help to conserve our all-important natural resources and thus, create more jobs. The sheer increase of recycling will require more man power for waste collection and sorting.
How do I comply with the appropriate by-laws?
There are three ways you can comply, including:
- Have a contract with an authorised and regular door-to-door waste collector.
- Obtain a bin sharing agreement as proof of your on-going compliance with local waste disposal by-laws.
- Display regular visits to civic amenity sites.
What do I need to know about door-to-door waste collection services?
Your wheelie bins must be presented and accessible on the allocated day and removed after a stated time, to avoid unnecessary obstructions. Wheelie bins are property of the council and must not be defaced, overfilled, contain hazardous waste or electrical equipment. If your bin hasn’t been left by the kerb on collection day, your waste will not be removed.
What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste includes (but not limiting to): batteries, aerosols, oils, paint, asbestos, pesticides and fridges.
What do I need to do?
Recyclable materials and residual waste must be divided – if you reside in a sparsely populated area with a population slightly over 500, food waste must also be separated.
What happens if I live in an apartment?
Management of the apartments must provide you with the correct containers, so that you can manage waste accordingly. You must separate your own waste, even in rented/own apartments.
What happens to those who don’t comply with by-laws?
If you choose not to comply with these by-laws you will be issued a fine form the council which can vary from €75 to €2,500.
Want to know more about recycling? Call Wilton Waste who can talk you through our services. We’re Ireland’s premier metal recycling company, we pay the best prices for your metal, provide local wheelie bins and skip hire services and offer cost effective solutions to our local customers. Our area’s covered include Athlone, Cavan, Drogheda, Dublin, Dundalk, Mullingar and beyond. Contact us today- we’re happy to help.