80 tonnes of illegally dumped waste removed from Finglas

A major waste removal operation by Fingal County Council in Finglas has resulted in some 80 tonnes of illegally dumped household and bulky waste being removed to a permitted waste facility for disposal.

This was a multi-agency approach at a number of locations on Dunsink Lane with assistance provided by An Garda Siochana and done in conjunction with a number of contractors.  

On the back of the operation, increased patrols and checkpoints by waste enforcement officers and local Community Gardai have been implemented to monitor activities on the ground to prevent further dumping.

Following the recent signing into law of the Circular Economy Act 2022, CCTV will also be utilised once the new Code of Practice has been issued to allow these technologies to be used for waste enforcement purposes. Evidence of illegal waste activities will be gathered and those responsible prosecuted in the District Court under the Waste Management Act 1996. If found guilty an individual can be fined up to €5,000 or face 12 months imprisonment as well as receiving a criminal conviction.

Illegal waste collectors are known to target social media sites offering cheap waste removal services, however the waste ends up being dumped illegally which causes damaging environmental pollution. Many of the “Man in a Van” individual don’t have a waste collection permit and are not authorised to collect waste. Always ask for ID and to see a Waste Collection Permit which can be checked with the National Waste Collection Permit Office www.nwcpo.ie. If they’re not on the list they’re not authorised to collect waste.

Everyone has a responsibility to dispose of their waste in a safe and sustainable manner as per the Waste Presentation Bye Laws 2020. Bulky items can be brought to your local recycling centre (Coolmine Recycling Centre and Estuary Recycling Centre) for recovery/disposal. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), clothes, paper, packaging and glass can also be recycled free of charge. 

Household and bulky waste is still a valuable resource if it is segregated and disposed of correctly. However, illegally dumped waste costs Local Authorities hundreds of thousands of euros each year, money which could be better spent on improving local services within the community.

To report unauthorised waste collectors or dumping contact: [email protected] or Tel: 01 8906799.