Who Are AES Recycling?
AES Recycling — short for Advanced Environmental Solutions — is an Irish waste management company with nearly three decades of experience in the sector. Originally founded in 1996 as Waste Recycling Ireland, the company has grown from a small recycling operation into a major player in Ireland's waste collection and resource recovery industry.
As a subsidiary of Bord na Mona, AES benefits from the backing of one of Ireland's most established semi-state companies, known for its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. AES handles everything from household bin collections to commercial waste management and skip hire services.
AES Recycling Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Founded as Waste Recycling Ireland |
| 2001 | Rebranded as AES (Advanced Environmental Solutions) |
| 2007 | Became a Bord na Mona subsidiary, serving as the waste collection division |
| 2020 | Expanded operations to manage AWD household customer waste |
| 2024/25 | Rebranded from Bord na Mona Recycling to AES Recycling |
The Shift to AES Recycling
The formerly named "Bord na Mona Recycling" now operates as AES Recycling to streamline its brand identity and customer service. While Bord na Mona's stability and sustainability strategy remain foundational, AES emphasises direct customer engagement and innovative waste solutions.
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What Are AES Recycling's Packages?
AES Recycling offers two pricing structures to suit different household needs: fixed monthly subscription plans and a flexible pay-by-lift model. Like other major Irish waste suppliers such as Panda Waste and City Bin, AES bases its plans on weight allowances with excess charges for heavier bins.
Standard Service Plans (Lite, Smart & Plus)
AES's three standard plans are designed for households with predictable waste output. Each plan includes fortnightly collection of general waste, recycling, and organic bins. Excess waste beyond the monthly weight allowance is charged at €0.30 per kg.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Waste Allowance | Best For | Excess Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES Lite | €23.00–€24.00 | 30 kg | 1–2 person households | €0.30/kg |
| AES Smart | €26.00–€27.00 | 40 kg | 2–3 person households | €0.30/kg |
| AES Plus | €31.00–€35.00 | 60 kg | 4+ person households | €0.30/kg |
Pay by Lift
The Pay by Lift option is ideal for low-waste households, holiday homes, or seasonal properties where bins may not be put out every collection day. You pay a monthly service fee of €15.20 plus a charge each time your bin is collected.
| Bin Type | Cost Per Lift | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General Waste | €15.60 | 60 kg |
| Recycling | €8.00 | 60 kg |
| Organic | €6.60 | 60 kg |
Note: A 60 kg weight limit applies per lift; excess waste is charged at €0.30/kg. The Government Waste Recovery Levy (1 cent per kg on general waste) also applies.
Which Plan Should I Choose?
Choosing between AES's subscription plans and the pay-by-lift option depends on how much waste your household generates. As a rule of thumb:
- 1–2 people who recycle well: The Lite plan (€23.00/month) or Pay by Lift may suit you best
- Average family of 3–4: The Smart plan (€26.00–€27.00/month) offers good value with a 40 kg allowance
- Larger households or heavy waste producers: The Plus plan (€31.00–€35.00/month) provides 60 kg to avoid excess charges
To see how AES compares to other providers, read our guide to comparing refuse collection prices in Ireland.
AES Recycling: Pros and Cons
Before signing up with AES Recycling, it is worth considering both the strengths and limitations of their service compared to competitors like Greyhound, Thorntons Recycling, and Panda Waste.
Advantages
- Competitive pricing starting from €23.00/month
- Backed by Bord na Mona — strong financial stability
- Flexible Pay by Lift option for low-usage households
- Nationwide coverage across multiple counties
- Charitable giving programme supporting Irish causes
Disadvantages
- Not available in all counties — check coverage for your area
- Excess weight charges of €0.30/kg can add up quickly
- Phone lines closed on weekends and bank holidays
- No online chat support currently available
How Do I Contact AES Recycling?
AES Recycling offers several contact channels depending on whether you are a domestic or commercial customer. Their customer service team is available during business hours on weekdays.
| Contact Method | Details | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Help Line | 045 580 060 | Mon–Thu: 8:30am–5:00pm; Fri: 9:00am–4:30pm |
| Skip & Commercial | 01 841 7000 | Mon–Thu: 8:30am–5:00pm; Fri: 9:00am–4:30pm |
| [email protected] | Response within 1–2 business days | |
| Website | aesrecycling.ie | 24/7 online account management |
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Where Does AES Recycling Operate?
AES Recycling provides services across a wide area of Ireland, with particular strength in the Leinster and Midlands regions. Their coverage expanded significantly in 2020 when they absorbed AWD's household customer base.
Key coverage areas include parts of Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Wicklow, and Cork. However, availability can vary by townland, so it is always best to contact AES directly or check their website to confirm they serve your address.
If AES does not cover your area, consider alternatives such as Panda Waste, Greyhound, or Clean Ireland Recycling — all of which operate in various parts of the country. Our refuse collection price comparison guide can help you find the best deal.
AES Recycling's Community Initiatives
AES Recycling has a strong track record of giving back to the communities it serves. Since 2014, the company has raised over €529,000 for Irish charities, including St. Vincent de Paul, Pieta House, and various local organisations.
In addition, 1% of every online payment exceeding €20 is donated to The Jack and Jill Foundation — a charity that provides home nursing care for children with brain injuries. This donation comes at no extra cost to the customer and is funded directly by AES.
This commitment to social responsibility is one of the factors that distinguishes AES from some competitors in the Irish waste sector.
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Tips to Reduce Your AES Waste Bill
Regardless of which AES plan you choose, there are several practical steps you can take to keep your waste bill as low as possible:
- Maximise recycling: Ensure you are using your recycling bin correctly. Items like clean cardboard, plastics, tins, and glass should all go in your recycling bin rather than general waste.
- Use your organic bin: Food scraps, garden waste, and compostable materials should go in your brown bin. This reduces the weight in your general waste bin, where excess charges apply.
- Flatten packaging: Crushing boxes and flattening containers saves space in your bins and reduces the number of lifts needed if you are on Pay by Lift.
- Compost at home: If you have a garden, home composting eliminates the need to put food scraps in any bin at all.
- Visit your local recycling centre: Bulky items, electronics, and hazardous waste can often be disposed of for free at civic amenity sites rather than through your bin service.
- Use a paper recycling strategy: Reduce junk mail and switch to digital billing to cut down on paper waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About AES Recycling
What is the cheapest AES Recycling plan?
The cheapest AES subscription plan is the AES Lite at €23.00–€24.00 per month, which includes a 30 kg waste allowance. For very low-usage households, the Pay by Lift option (€15.20/month service fee plus per-lift charges) may work out cheaper if you only put bins out occasionally.
Is AES Recycling the same as Bord na Mona Recycling?
Yes. AES Recycling was previously known as Bord na Mona Recycling. The company rebranded in 2024/25 but remains a subsidiary of Bord na Mona. Your bins, collection schedules, and service remain the same — only the brand name and customer portal have changed.
What happens if my bin is over the weight limit?
If your bin exceeds your plan's weight allowance, you will be charged €0.30 per kg for the excess weight. This applies to all standard plans (Lite, Smart, Plus) and to the Pay by Lift option, which has a 60 kg limit per lift. To avoid surprises, try to maximise your use of recycling and organic bins.
How do I switch to AES Recycling from another provider?
To switch to AES Recycling, contact their domestic help line on 045 580 060 or sign up online at aesrecycling.ie. You will need to cancel your existing waste service first, as there is no automatic switching process in the Irish waste market. Make sure your current contract does not have an early termination fee before switching.
Does AES Recycling offer skip hire?
Yes, AES Recycling offers skip hire services for both residential and commercial customers. For skip hire enquiries, contact their commercial line on 01 841 7000. Skip hire is useful for house clearances, renovations, and large one-off waste disposal needs.
Conclusion
AES Recycling offers a solid range of waste collection plans backed by the stability of Bord na Mona. With prices starting at €23.00 per month and a flexible Pay by Lift alternative, they cater to households of all sizes. Their charitable initiatives and long track record in the Irish market make them a reliable choice for waste management.
That said, it is always worth comparing prices across providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your area. Coverage varies by region, and competitors like Panda Waste or City Bin may offer better deals depending on where you live.
Other waste suppliers in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions About AES
AES is one of ten waste collection companies operating in Ireland. Whether they are the right choice depends on your location, household size, and budget. We recommend comparing refuse collection prices across multiple suppliers to find the best deal.
Switching waste provider is straightforward — contact AES to sign up, then cancel with your current provider. There is no central regulator for waste services, so the switch is handled directly between you and the companies. Check your current contract for any notice period.
You can contact AES by phone, email, or through their website. For full contact details and opening hours, see the contact section above on this page.
AES typically provides general waste, recycling, and compost bins. Some suppliers also offer glass recycling bins. The exact bin types and sizes available may vary by area and plan.