The complete guide to green, brown, and black bins in Ireland. Never contaminate your recycling again.
Clean, dry, loose recyclables only
❌ Never put in the green bin:
Food waste, nappies, soft plastics (cling film, crisp packets), polystyrene, textiles, batteries, glass (if your area uses bottle banks)
All food waste and small garden waste
❌ Never put in the brown bin:
Plastic bags (unless certified compostable), pet waste, nappies, coal ash, soil, large branches
Anything that can't be recycled or composted
Clean parts → green bin. Greasy/cheesy parts → brown bin or black bin.
Plastic-lined — not recyclable. Some cafes have special recycling.
NOT recyclable in kerbside collection. Some supermarkets have soft plastic bins.
Put in a paper bag or envelope so it doesn't blow away.
Donate to charity shop or textile bank. Don't bin them.
Bring to a battery collection point (most shops have one).
Bring to your local civic amenity centre. Never pour down the drain.
Bring to civic amenity centre. Not suitable for any bin.
Return to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Bring to WEEE collection point or civic amenity centre.
Clean, dry recyclables: plastic bottles, tin cans, cardboard, paper, Tetrapaks, aluminium foil, aerosol cans, and glass jars (in some areas). All items should be rinsed and loose.
It depends. Clean parts can be recycled. Greasy or food-stained parts should go in the brown bin or black bin. Tear the box and separate.
No. Most disposable coffee cups have a plastic lining that prevents recycling. They go in the black bin. Consider using a reusable cup.
Nappies go in the black bin (general waste). They cannot be recycled or composted.
Never put batteries in any bin. Bring them to a battery collection point — most shops and supermarkets have one near the entrance.
Still not sure? Use BinDay's AI scanner or coach.