Fingal to target dumping and boost recycling to deliver cleaner, greener communities
A project is underway across Fingal to promote responsible waste disposable and address the issue of illegal dumping and fly-tipping
As part of their ongoing effort to improve how households and businesses handle their waste, Fingal County Council has initiated a project to help raise awareness around recycling, encourage households to participate in a waste collection service and to tackle illegal dumping in the county.
Every year, Fingal County Council spends thousands of euros cleaning up dumping hotspots, however the problem continues. The Waste Bye-Laws Project underway will focus on the main source of the issue, household and commercial waste, to help keep Fingal clean and protect its natural beauty.
The key objectives are to reduce illegal dumping, increase recycling rates and to help build a cleaner, greener and healthier Fingal.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “Ensuring that there are adequate waste management systems in place is vital in protecting the beautiful landscape of Fingal. The Waste Bye-Laws project will help protect Fingal's environment by promoting responsible waste disposable and address the issue of illegal dumping and fly-tipping."
As part of its approach, the Council used information from authorised waste collectors to help identify homes without a waste collection service in place. This has seen the council send letters to over 4000 households in Fingal, seeking clarification on how they manage their waste.
Where householders do not engage with the Council, door to door inspections will be carried out from mid-August. If households cannot account for how they’re managing their waste, a €75 fixed payment notice will be issued to encourage compliance with the Waste Bye-Laws. The goal is to maximise compliance across Fingal without having to resort to legal action. Every opportunity will be given to householders to put an appropriate waste collection service in place to achieve this.
Director of Environment and Climate Action at Fingal County Council, David Storey, said: “We all have a role to play in managing our waste and protecting the environment. Illegal dumping across Fingal harms the environment, affects public health, and impacts our local communities. We want to tackle this problem by promoting responsible waste habits and deliver a cleaner, healthier Fingal for all."
Householders are also being warned against using unauthorised ‘Man in a Van’ waste services. Many of these operators are unpermitted and bring household waste to remote areas to illegally dispose of it, leaving the householder liable for a litter fine of €150 if evidence is found. There is also a risk of prosecution and larger fines of up to €5,000 in court.
For further information on the Waste Bye-Laws Project and how to correctly manage your waste, please visit https://mywaste.ie/dispose-waste/at-home/ and https://www.fingal.ie/waste-bye-laws-project-2023-2026.
