Waste Disposal Statistics

Based on the latest EPA data, key waste statistics for Ireland include:

  • Ireland generated approximately 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2023
  • Irish households generated 1.8 million tonnes of waste in 2022
  • Just over 40% of managed household waste was collected in general waste bins (2022)
  • Over one-third of materials in recycling bins were incorrectly sorted
  • Irish households discarded an estimated 221,000 tonnes of food in 2023

For more detailed information about waste segregation rules, see our complete waste disposal guide.

Compare Waste Collection Services and Save!

Our experts at Selectra compare all waste collection providers in your area to find you the best deal — completely free.

Ad - Selectra Service
This is a free call from Ireland. Selectra agents can assist you with comparing and switching energy providers on weekdays between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

Where Can I Dump Waste in Dublin?

Landfills have historically been the primary waste disposal sites. They sort, compact, and store refuse, but pose potential environmental concerns:

  • Attracting vermin
  • Contaminating soil and water supplies
  • Generating harmful gases like methane
  • Limiting future land development

Ireland had 29 landfill sites in 2007; as of 2024, only three active landfills remain authorised for municipal waste, reflecting industry shifts toward recycling and waste reduction.

Hazardous Waste Disposal in Dublin

The South Dublin County Council manages hazardous and regulated materials disposal. Key categories include:

Packaging Waste

Businesses producing packaging materials can find legal obligations and costs through the South Dublin County Council packaging page.

End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV)

Vehicles at end-of-life must be disposed of at licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities. Details are available through South Dublin County Council's vehicle disposal information.

Batteries

Batteries contain heavy metals causing environmental harm. Proper disposal applies to all entities. See obligations for retailers, producers, and citizens.

Tyres

Though not classified as hazardous, tyres pose environmental risks. The 2007 Waste Management Regulation outlines tyre disposal responsibilities.

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

Applies to common household items like TVs, radios, mobile phones, and battery-powered toys. Instructions for proper WEEE disposal are available through local authorities.

Remember the Three R's framework: Reduce (produce less waste), Reuse (use items again), Recycle (process into new products). Most disposal sites charge gate access fees for domestic users or charge by-the-tonne rates for commercial waste.

Household Waste Disposal and Collection

Residential waste bin usage represents the most common disposal method. When choosing a waste collection provider, consider:

  • Budget constraints
  • Waste volume output and appropriate bin sizes
  • Collection frequency preferences
  • Service area coverage

For complete pricing and service comparisons for Dublin, see our Dublin bin companies guide. You can also compare refuse collection prices across all Irish suppliers.

Compare Waste Collection Services and Save!

Our experts at Selectra compare all waste collection providers in your area to find you the best deal — completely free.

Ad - Selectra Service
This is a free call from Ireland. Selectra agents can assist you with comparing and switching energy providers on weekdays between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

Recycling Centres for Disposals

Recycling centres, civic amenity centres, and bring banks are appropriate for materials unsuitable for household bins or landfills. These include items like batteries, lightbulbs, large appliances, and hazardous waste.

For a complete guide to Dublin's recycling centres, bring banks, and civic amenity sites, see our Dublin recycling guide. You can also refer to our national recycling centre guide for broader information.

Key Dublin recycling facilities include:

  • Ringsend (Dublin City)
  • North Strand (Dublin City)
  • Ballyogan Recycling Park (Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown)
  • Estuary Recycling Centre (Fingal)
  • Coolmine Recycling Centre (Fingal)

These facilities accept a wide range of materials, including furniture, large WEEE, rubble, and general waste, usually for a fee. For further information, contact Dublin City Council directly.

For a complete overview of waste collection options in Dublin, including one-off collections and civic amenity sites, visit our Dublin waste hub.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waste Disposal in Dublin

The South Dublin County Council manages hazardous and regulated materials disposal, including packaging waste, end-of-life vehicles, batteries, tyres, and WEEE (electrical and electronic equipment).
As of 2024, only three active landfills remain authorised for municipal waste in Ireland, down from 29 in 2007. The industry has shifted toward recycling and waste reduction.
Key Dublin recycling facilities include Ringsend, North Strand, Ballyogan Recycling Park (Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown), Estuary Recycling Centre (Fingal), and Coolmine Recycling Centre (Fingal). See our Dublin recycling guide for full details.
Consider your budget, waste volume output, appropriate bin sizes, collection frequency preferences, and service area coverage. You can compare refuse collection prices across all Irish suppliers.
The Three Rs are Reduce (produce less waste), Reuse (use items again), and Recycle (process into new products). Most disposal sites charge gate access fees for domestic users.