New charges at recycling centres to be implemented

Fingal County Council has announced updated charges for its non-recyclable and green household waste at its Recycling Centres located at Estuary in Swords and Coolmine in Dublin 15. These are set to take effect from 1 January 2025. Charges for disposing of household recyclable waste at the centres is free and remains unchanged.

The changes reflect a balanced approach to maintaining and improving this vital local service while addressing the expanded expenditure costs. A review of the service by the council found that there had been a significant rise in the use of the recycling centres resulting in a deficit of costs for managing and maintaining the facilities.  This has risen from €0.8m in 2015 to more than €2m for the current year. The cost of waste management must be borne by the original waste producer or by the current or previous waste holders and this increase in fees is in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principles.

The current pricing model for has remained unchanged since 2010 despite the increased demand on the centres. In 2023 alone, approximately 350,000 cars used the two facilities, with more than 92,000 cars using the centres to dispose of household recyclable waste for free.

By implementing a rise in charges, the move will bring Fingal into line with adjoining local authorities in terms of pricing. While the access costs will rise for the domestic non-recyclable and green waste service at the Fingal facilities, it is important to note that there remains no charge for disposing of recyclable items at the Swords and Coolmine centres. This would include items such as paper, bottles, clothes, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), tins and discarded cooking oil.

The adjustment to pricing reflects the growing demand for waste processing services and helps ensures the continuation of high-quality, accessible facilities for local residents. This will also allow the introduction of extended opening hours at the Coolmine facility.

Beginning from 1 January 2025, the revised charges are as follows:

General Waste Service Charges (e.g. bulky waste such as carpet, mattresses, wood, metal, etc.)

Green Waste Service Charges (e.g. grass clippings, leaves, tree branches and trimmings, etc.)

If members of the public have items in good condition that they no longer need, the Council encourages people to consider alternatives to waste disposal such as donating reusable items to charity.

A detailed list of items that are accepted at the two facilities can be found on the Council’s website: https://www.fingal.ie/recycling-centres