Brown (Organic) Bin

The brown bin is for food and garden waste only, and the contents of this bin is used to make compost. If other wastes (especially plastics) are placed in the bin, they may cause contamination, thereby affecting the quality of the finished compost. If contaminants are found in the Brown bin it will not be collected.

Sheets of newspaper or paper bags may be used to wrap food waste, but don't use ordinary plastic in any circumstance. Use compostable bags only, for example Composac and Biobag . Composac brand is widely available in the county. See composacireland@hotmail.com or phone 051 820 477.

Please note biodegradable nappies are not suitable for the Brown Bin, these should instead be put into your Residual Bin.

Waste allowed in your Brown Bin.

• Kitchen food scraps
• Plate scrapings, fruit and vegetables
• Meat, fish, poultry and bones
• Tea Bags, coffee grinds and paper filters
• Breads, cakes and biscuits
• Soups and sauces
• Eggs and dairy products, out of date food (no plastic packing)
• Paper napkins and paper towels
• Food-soiled cardboard or paper. (no coated paper please)
• Plant trimmings (up to finger sized twigs), grass clippings and leaves
• Cut flowers, old plants, moss and weeds (not sprayed with weed killer)
• Floor sweepings
• Human & pet hair

Helpful Hints to make it easier for you

If you manage your Brown bin correctly, problems will be kept to a minimum.

• Put your bin out every collection week (full or not)
• Wrap food wastes in 2 sheets of old newspaper to deter flies and control odours
• Keep your bin in a shady area
• Place sheets of cardboard at the sides and bottom of the bin to keep it clean
• Brown materials such as leaves, straw, woody materials or dry grass help control odours
• Compostable Bags can be used, e.g Biobag or Composac Brands. (NB. Compostable bags are the only type of bags allowed as no other type have been found to be suitable at the composting facility)