All Kildare's supermarkets 'must have bring banks'

Supermarkets should be compelled to provide bring backs for the disposal of items like bottles and cans, which can’t be recycled through the Deposit Return Scheme.

The call was made by Cllr Suzanne Doyle at a Kildare County Council meeting, though she also said that Tesco stores generally provide recycling facilities for used bottles, cans and clothing.

Cllr Doyle said the bring banks should be built into the planning conditions for stores.

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Cllr Chris Pender said the big supermarkets should be  obliged to assist Kildare County Council in the disposal of this material.

Cllr David Trost criticised the build up of clothing and bottles at bring banks, notably in the period after Christmas.

Cllr Pat Balfe called on KCC to address problems at busy recycling collection points.

He asked KCC to improve access and parking and to deal with littering and maintenance problems.

According to KCC there are bring banks at about 40 locations across the county and textile banks are operated independently by private companies, usually charitable organisations.

KCC official Marian Higgins said the majority of the banks are serviced on a weekly basis.

She added KCC is “continually scouting for additional sites” and any suggested  by the councillors will be assessed for suitability.

Bring bank locations are chosen with parking and access in mind in all cases, she said.

“Safety for the public and service vehicles including level access, adequate sightlines, lighting, along with the required setback (50m) from any residences, are other considerations in determining suitable sites.”

She also said reports of parking or safety concerns “have not been regularly received from the public.”

CCTV cameras have recently been installed at one bring bank location and may be installed at other sites to reduce littering.