Plastic bin bags are banned from use across Dublin’s north inner city today, as new waste management measures come into effect following the installation of large on-street waste compactors.
Residents and businesses on 110 streets — stretching from Amiens Street to Church Street and from the Liffey quays to Dorset Street — can no longer leave plastic refuse sacks out for collection. Instead, they must use the new compactors or make alternative arrangements with their waste collection providers.
The north inner city has consistently been ranked by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) as the dirtiest area in the State, with ongoing issues surrounding illegal dumping.
New waste compactors, similar in size to small caravans, have been installed at Marlborough Place, between Marlborough Street and Talbot Street, and at Loftus Lane near Capel Street and Parnell Street. The sealed containers measure approximately four metres in length and almost 2.5 metres in height. Access is restricted to residents and businesses who have been issued access cards by their waste collection companies.
Those who do not wish to use the compactors can instead use wheelie bins or arrange direct rubbish collection from their premises. However, plastic refuse bags are no longer permitted on streets within the designated area.
“Our litter enforcement teams are currently engaging with businesses and residents in the affected area to inform them of the upcoming changes and encourage compliance,” Dublin City Council said.
“A short transition period will be allowed; however, following this, the bylaws will be strictly enforced, and noncompliance may result in prosecution.”
Businesses and residents who fail to comply face fines ranging from €150 to €4,000 on conviction.
A similar ban is already in place on 90 streets on Dublin’s southside, where compactors were installed at St Stephen’s Green and in Temple Bar last October. Dublin City Council said the measures have reduced illegal dumping in those areas by approximately 20 tonnes per month.
“The initial conversations we’re having with the waste collectors is that they don’t feel the need for this communal waste collection. They are going to promote a reusable receptacle, a wheelie bin or a caddie for all the customers in those areas.”
The council hopes bin bags will no longer be used anywhere in the city by mid-2027, according to Woods.
