A new ban on businesses leaving their waste out in plastic bags is coming into effect in several areas of Dublin city centre today.
Some 90 streets between Dawson Street and Temple Bar will need to find a different way of disposing of their rubbish.
Those who do not obey the new rules could face fines of up to €150.
A transition period is now in place for retail, commercial and residential buildings with full compliance expected by January 1st next year, Dublin City Council has said.
Dublin City Council Executive Manager for Environment and Climate Action Derek Kelly said they want businesses to find other options for their waste disposal.
“From today we’re beginning the process of removing the derogation from the Waste Management Act that allows households and businesses to present waste for collection in plastic bags rather than a reusable container like a wheelie bin,” he said.
“We want [businesses] really to start talking to their waste collection service provider and start agreeing the options that are available to them”.
Mr Kelly said the areas included are “from the South Quays thorough Temple Bar, Dame Street, George’s Street, Grafton Street – all the way up as far as Stephen’s Green.
“There’s about 90 streets affected and there’s probably about 3,000 premises or customers in that area that will have somewhat of a change to the way they would normally do it”.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor James Geoghegan has previously said waste cannot remain on the streets.
“Dublin’s not a dirty old town but the way in which waste has been presented in this city has contributed to our litter problem,” he said.
“Businesses will no longer be allowed to present their waste in plastic bin bags for seagulls to rip up and let rubbish be strewn across the road.
“They’ll either have to put it in a wheelie bin or they’ll work with the bin operators themselves to ensure that the waste goes directly from the business into the back of a bin lorry.
“We’ve ensured that the bin operators have engaged with the businesses so that they’re aware of this change.”
Under the new plans Dublin City Council is employing additional staff to expand the footprint of the city centre that receives a 24-hour cleaning service.
Additional reporting: Lynsey Dolan
