Consumers and Businesses Urged to Use a Brown Bin
Consumers and businesses are being urged to use a brown bin, recycle their food waste and reduce their carbon footprint, as part of National Food Waste Recycling Week, which runs from 2nd - 9th June.
New research of over 1,000 adults found that over two thirds (67%) of all householders in Ireland currently use a brown bin. The research, conducted by iReach on behalf of MyWaste.ie, also revealed, of those who do use a brown bin, helping climate change is the top motivation, with 35% saying this is why they use a food waste bin.
However, there are still some people who put food waste in the general waste bin, meaning this food waste will never be recycled. A recent study from the Environmental Protection Agency found that in commercial general waste bins, 30% of the contents are food waste, while in household general waste bins, 17% of the content is food waste.
“We’ve made great progress in Ireland with over two thirds of people now using a brown bin, but as we see from the research, there is still a high proportion of food waste that could be recycled going into our general waste bins,” said Pauline McDonogh, Resource Efficiency Officer at MyWaste.ie.
“The introduction of new legislation in January this year for households and in July last year for businesses means everyone, everywhere in Ireland with a kerbside waste collection service is now entitled to a brown bin service. We’d urge everyone – consumers and businesses – if you don’t use a brown bin, please start, and make a positive change for our environment,” she added.
In Ireland it’s estimated we waste about 750,000 tonnes of food each year. Food waste that ends up in landfill is a significant contributor to climate change. It’s estimated that food waste generates about 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Preventing food waste and reducing food waste has both environmental and financial benefits.
What can go into 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.
MyWaste.ie Top Three Ways to Prevent Food Waste
- Plan Your Meals
Before you go to the shops, shop at home! Check your own cupboards, fridge and freezer. Plan your meals and only get the ingredients you need. Make a shopping list.
- Store Food Properly
Proper storage can help extend the life of your food and prevent spoilage. Make sure to store perishable items like fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator and keep dry goods like pasta and rice in airtight containers.
- Use Your Brown Bin!
Even with the best intentions, some food waste is unavoidable. Instead of throwing it in the general waste bin, put it in the brown bin, and use your kitchen caddy to always separate food waste. You can also get compostable caddy liners which can go directly into your brown bin when full.
Go to MyWaste.ie for more details on where your food waste ends up, and how this benefits the environment. There are events taking place across the country for this year's National Food Waste Recycling Week, which is supported by local authorities. For more information visit https://mywaste.ie/resources-and-campaigns/national-food-waste-recycling-week/