Kildare householders urged to become ‘Brown Bin Champions’ through new food waste recycling campaign

Householders in County Kildare are being asked to become "Brown Bin Champions" as part of the fourth annual National Food Waste Recycling Week.

The new research, which was conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of MyWaste.ie (an organisation which examines the management of food waste), showcases a mix of both progress and challenges associated with contamination.

With over 200,000 new brown bins rolled out nationwide since the start of 2024, bringing the total number of brown bin owners across Ireland to around 1.2 million, householders in Ireland are embracing food waste recycling like never before.

However, a recent study of over 1,000 adults reveals that despite widespread brown bin usage, contamination remains a concern, potentially compromising the quality of compost and hindering our efforts towards a circular economy.

It was discovered that while the vast majority of people use their brown bin (84 per cent), confusion and occasional haste can at times lead to incorrect items being disposed of in the brown bin.

The study indicated that 33pc of people nationally admit to knowingly putting incorrect items in their brown bin, a figure that rises to 50pc amongst 18 to 34-year-olds.

In Leinster, 33pc admit to knowingly putting the incorrect item into their brown bin.

WASTE CONFUSION

According to the researchers, the new information also highlights confusion about garden waste, with younger adults (18 to 34) mistakenly believing stones and barbeque coals can be composted.

For those surveyed living in Leinster, common items incorrectly placed in brown bins included general waste (35pc), the plastic around vegetables (31pc), soft plastics (25pc), and food cartons (23pc).

The research also explored the reasons behind these mistakes — the primary reason cited for knowingly putting an item in their brown bin incorrectly was being in a hurry (38pc), with lack of knowledge about what is accepted in the brown bin being the second most common reason (26pc).

As a result, MyWaste.ie aims to tackle these problems for the latest National Food Waste Recycling Week, which will run from June 1, 2025 until June 8, 2025.

Rachel Hughes and James Lynskey (both aged 7, from Dublin) show off some common 'Brown Bin Intruders' — items that don’t belong in your brown bin — as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon launches National Food Waste Recycling Week campaign. Photograph by Fintan Clarke, Creative Coalesce. Photograph supplied by Su Pal of Wilson Hartnell.

In addition, the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, has said that he is "delighted" with the increase in brown bins across Ireland.

"The expansion of the programme, coupled with the dedication of Irish citizens, is a testament to our commitment to a circular economy and a greener future," Minister Dillon said. "By working together to reduce food waste in the first instance and minimise contamination thereafter, we can ensure that our food and garden waste is transformed into valuable compost, enriching our soil, supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing our carbon footprint."

Furthermore, the resource efficiency officer at MyWaste.ie, Pauline McDonogh, echoed similar sentiments to Minister Dillon: "It's fantastic to see so many households embracing the brown bin system. However, contamination remains a challenge.

"This National Food Waste Recycling Week, we want to empower everyone to become brown bin champions in their homes, at work or at play."

Ms McDonagh added: "By keeping contaminants out of our brown bins, we can protect our soil and contribute to a circular economy."

WHAT CAN GO IN THE BROWN BIN?

The brown bin service accepts all types of food including raw and cooked meat and fish, plate scrapings, along with fruit and vegetable peelings.

Other items that can go into the brown bin include food-soiled paper napkins, paper towels, greasy pizza boxes as well as grass clippings and light garden waste, including hedge clippings, spent compost and dead plants. 

WHAT CANNOT GO IN THE BROWN BIN?

To avoid contamination, remove all packaging from food waste and avoid adding large branches, stones, rubble, plastic plant pots, barbeque coals or other non-compostable materials from your brown bin.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTION

To help combat contamination, MyWaste.ie offers these tips:

• Take a Minute: "As the research shows, being in a hurry is a major contributor to contamination. Slow down and double-check what you're throwing away."
• Say No to Bin Intruders: "Be aware of common contaminants like onion netting, flower bands, and plastic-wrapped vegetables. Remove these items before placing food or garden waste in the brown bin."
• When in Doubt, Check it Out: "Use the MyWaste.ie website or your Waste Collectors guidelines to confirm what can and cannot go in your brown bin."
• Use Compostable Liners: "To make brown bin management even easier, MyWaste.ie recommends using certified compostable liners in your kitchen caddy. These liners break down naturally during the composting process, keeping your bin clean and preventing odours."

For more information on proper usage, those interested can visit MyWaste.ie.

James Lynskey and Rachel Hughes join Tony Brehon, Chief Executive Officer at Cré Composting & Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland, Minister of State Alan Dillon, and Pauline McDonogh and Hugh Coughlan from the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices at the launch of National Food Waste Recycling Week. Photograph by Fintan Clarke, Creative Coalesce. Photograph supplied by Su Pal of Wilson Hartnell.

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