Brown Bins in Ireland: What You Need to Know About the Nationwide Rollout

From January 2024, every household in Ireland with a waste collection service is entitled to a brown bin. These bins are for food waste and garden waste — helping us cut down on landfill, recycle more, and protect the environment.

The rollout supports Ireland's Circular Economy Plan and ensures we meet EU recycling targets (55% by 2025, 60% by 2030, and 65% by 2035).

Why the Brown Bin Rollout Matters

✔ An EPA study found that 21% of black bin waste was food and garden waste. All of which could go into the brown bin!

✔ Diverting organic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions and produces compost and renewable energy.

✔ Previous expansions of brown bin services saw a 16% rise in food waste collected, proving that people will recycle more when given the right tools.

What Can Go in Your Brown Bin?

Brown bins are simple to use, but knowing what's allowed is key to avoiding contamination.

You Can Put In:
✅ Raw and cooked food (including meat, fish, pasta, rice)
✅ Plate scrapings and leftovers
✅ Tea bags, coffee grounds and paper napkins
✅ Compostable packaging (EN 13432-certified)
✅ Garden waste like grass, leaves and small branches

Do Not Put In:
❌ Plastic bags, glass or metals
❌ Nappies or pet waste
❌ Large branches, soil, coal or ashes

Collected organic waste is sent to composting or anaerobic digestion facilities in Ireland. The result? High-quality compost for gardens and renewable biogas for energy.

Who Gets a Brown Bin?

All households in Ireland (urban, rural, and apartments) with a waste collection service are entitled to a brown bin. By late 2023, 69% of homes already had one. Now, waste collectors must extend this service nationwide. If you don't yet have a brown bin, simply contact your waste provider to request one.

Benefits of the Brown Bin Rollout

The introduction of brown bins to every household in Ireland will:

✔ Reduce waste going to landfill

✔ Cut harmful emissions

✔ Produce renewable energy

✔ Create compost to be reused in agriculture and gardening

✔ Help Ireland meet its EU recycling targets

What We Think

The nationwide brown bin rollout is a big step forward for Ireland's recycling efforts. By using our bins correctly, we can reduce waste, protect the environment, and move towards a greener, circular economy.

Oxigen is busy rolling out brown bins to all of our customers, with the hope to reach our goal by the end of this year.