Take a minute before you bin it

MyWaste, Ireland's official guide to managing waste has launched a new national awareness campaign - ‘Take a minute, before you bin it!’ – tackling the disconnect between our good intentions and actual binning habits. This campaign is a collaboration between policy makers and the waste industry to foster behavioural change in relation to recycling habits.

Cllr. Jim O’Leary, An Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“With ambitious EU waste recycling targets looming (55% by 2025 and 60% by 2030), the 'Take a Minute, Before You Bin It!' campaign comes at a critical juncture. By working together – individuals, businesses and policymakers – we can make significant strides towards a more sustainable and climate resilient future for the county."

As Ireland transitions to a circular economy, this national initiative highlights how simple individual actions at home, at work or at play, can collectively boost Ireland's recycling rate.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted:

“I welcome this new campaign which will encourage individuals and businesses to pause and consider recycling options before discarding items thus retaining more valuable resources within the Irish economy and contributing to our transition to a circular economy.”

Research from the Environmental Protection Agency reveals a startling statistic: two-thirds of what ends up in general waste bins could have been recycled or composted. Food waste is the most misplaced item, followed closely by soft plastics.

Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy added: 

"By making small changes in our daily routines, we can collectively make a big difference for our planet. When we put food waste or recyclable items such as yogurt pots, pasta bags or an empty milk carton into the general waste bin, we are losing valuable resources. The paper and plastic could have been recycled into new products and the food waste composted to nourish soil. Every time you sort your waste correctly, it is a step towards a more sustainable future. This campaign is about equipping everyone with the knowledge and tools to confidently participate in the circular economy.” 

What goes where?

Many people are unsure which bin to use for items like food-soiled paper towels (food waste bin!), soft plastics (recycling bin – clean, dry, loose!), and aluminium trays and foil (also recycling bin- clean, dry, loose!). The food waste bin accepts all types of food including raw and cooked meat and fish, fruit and vegetable peelings, food-soiled paper napkins, paper towels, greasy pizza boxes as well as light garden waste.

New Interactive Game Makes Recycling Fun and Easy

To make learning about proper waste disposal fun and engaging, MyWaste has teamed up with “Bold Donut” to create a free interactive game, available to play on MyWaste.ie. This waste segregation game helps players to combat confusion and learn about proper binning habits in a memorable way.

Visit MyWaste.ie for helpful tips, including easy to follow guides and videos showcasing how others have successfully reduced their waste or to explore a range of free Commercial Waste resources designed to support your sustainability journey.