Visit to RNLI Galway Lifeboat Station

A couple of weeks ago, our team had the privilege of visiting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Galway Lifeboat Station to see first-hand the incredible work carried out by the volunteer crew who protect lives at sea along the Galway coast.

The RNLI provides a vital lifesaving service around Ireland and the UK, with volunteers on call day and night to respond to emergencies on the water. At the station in Galway, the crew operate in all conditions, often launching at short notice to assist people in difficulty across Galway Bay and the surrounding coastline.

The City Bin Co. has been supporting the RNLI Galway station for a number of years by providing waste collection services free of charge as part of our community and CSR commitments. Supporting organisations that make such an important contribution to local communities is something we are proud to be involved in.

During the visit, members of our team had the opportunity to meet some of the volunteer crew and learn more about how the station operates. We were given a tour of the facilities and a closer look at the lifeboat itself, with some of the team even getting the chance to step aboard for a few photos!

Seeing the station up close gave our team a deeper appreciation of the level of preparation, training and teamwork involved in keeping the service ready to launch at a moment’s notice. Every aspect of the operation, from maintaining the lifeboat and equipment to coordinating call-outs, is carefully organised to ensure the crew are prepared whenever the call comes.

It was a fantastic experience for our staff and a reminder of the dedication of the volunteers who give their time to help others in difficult situations.

We would like to thank the RNLI Galway team for welcoming us to the station and for the work they continue to do protecting those at sea.

To support their amazing work, feel free to check out their Donation page.

Supporting Sustainable Events at the Redeveloped Dexcom Stadium, Home of Connacht Rugby

At The City Bin Co., we are proud to support the redeveloped Dexcom Stadium, providing waste management and recycling services as part of our ongoing community and CSR initiatives.

Following the recent renovation and redevelopment works, the stadium and its associated training facilities are truly impressive. The upgraded infrastructure, modern layout, and enhanced fan experience areas reflect the ambition behind the project, and it is fantastic to see such a high-quality venue now fully operational for players, staff, and supporters alike.

TCBC Dexcom 4

TCBC Dexcom 16

A Practical Example of Sustainable Event Waste Management

Our work at Dexcom Stadium is a live example of how effective waste management can be embedded into both large venues and busy event environments. From match days to training sessions and special events, our team ensures that the correct bin infrastructure is in place, collections are scheduled efficiently, and materials are managed in a responsible and sustainable way.

This includes:

Providing appropriate bin stations for mixed recycling, general waste, and organics
Supporting staff and venue teams with clear segregation guidance
Ensuring timely collections before, during, and after events
Reducing contamination through consistent engagement and signage

By taking a proactive and organised approach, venues can significantly improve recycling performance while maintaining a clean and professional environment for attendees.

Indoor & Outdoor Events – Fully Managed

While stadiums are a high-profile example, our event waste management services extend far beyond sports venues. We regularly support a wide range of indoor and outdoor events, including:

Sporting events
Festivals and community days
Corporate events and open days
Public gatherings and local celebrations

Every event is different, which is why we tailor our service to suit the scale, location, and expected footfall. Our team handles the logistics so organisers can focus on delivering a successful event, knowing that waste management is being handled professionally and sustainably.

A Community-Focused CSR Initiative

Our service at Dexcom Stadium is delivered as part of a community-focused CSR commitment. By providing waste management support to a key regional sporting venue, we are helping to promote better recycling habits, reduce waste, and support sustainable operations within the local community.

As a company deeply connected to the communities we serve, initiatives like this align with our wider mission to drive responsible waste management and environmental awareness across Ireland. Supporting local venues, clubs, and events allows us to make a meaningful impact beyond standard commercial services.

A Venue That Sets the Standard

The redeveloped stadium now stands as a modern, well-organised venue that demonstrates how sustainability and operational excellence can go hand in hand. From the upgraded facilities to the professional training environment for players, the transformation is clear and positions the venue as a leading location for major sporting and community events.

Planning an Event? We Can Help

If you are organising an indoor or outdoor event, our team can provide a complete waste management solution tailored to your needs – from bin supply and placement to collections and recycling support.

Commercial case studies and testimonials on our event and venue work, can be found here https://uat.citybin.com/for-business/

If you have an upcoming event and would like to discuss waste management and recycling support, get in touch with our team through our contact form https://uat.citybin.com/for-business/get-a-quote/ and we will be happy to help.

Pre-Christmas Clearout? Keep Your Bin Spark-Free!

Doing a pre-Christmas clearout? Remember to recycle old batteries safely.

As we prepare our homes for the festive season — putting up decorations, making space for guests, and doing that traditional pre-Christmas tidy — we often come across things we haven’t seen since last year: old chargers, tangled cables, and of course… used batteries.

Before any of these small items accidentally end up in your bin, here’s why a quick bit of sorting now can make Christmas safer for everyone.

Why used batteries matter more than you think

During this time of year, waste trucks and recycling facilities deal with much higher volumes of household waste. Even a single used battery — especially lithium ones found in vapes, remotes, lights, and gadgets — can cause a spark if it’s crushed or damaged.

That spark can lead to a fire.
It’s a small risk with big consequences, and it’s completely preventable.
A pre-Christmas clear-out is the perfect moment to collect used batteries before the bin gets busy.

What you might find during your tidy

The usual suspects hiding in drawers, handbags, and kitchen presses include:

AA & AAA batteries
Button batteries (from candles, remotes, decorations)
Old vapes
Power banks
Dead chargers and cables
Old electric toothbrush heads or small grooming devices

All of these contain batteries or electrics and should never go in your household bin.

✅ What to do with used batteries

A few simple steps make a big difference:

Bring used batteries to any shop or supermarket that sells them — they must take them back for free.
Store loose batteries in a small tub, jar, or Tupperware until you’re ready to recycle.
Tape the terminals (the ends) to prevent accidental sparks.
Add old vapes, cables, and small devices to your recycling drop-off list too — they’re all WEEE items.

A quick trip now means fewer risks later in the month.

🚫 What not to do

Avoid the most common mistakes:

❌ Don’t put any batteries in general or recycling bins
❌ Don’t leave them loose with metal items like keys, coins, or tools
❌ Don’t store large quantities at home for long periods
❌ Don’t forget about items that contain hidden batteries

A calm, early clean-out helps keep our bins and crews safe through the busiest collection season of the year.

A safer start to the season

Doing your pre-Christmas clear-out is one of the simplest ways to reduce battery fires in waste trucks — and it only takes a few minutes.

Find your nearest drop-off point at: mywaste.ie

Everyday items can cause bin fires!

We often think of batteries and vapes as the main culprits behind bin fires — but they’re just part of the story. Many ordinary household items can pose serious fire risks when tossed into bins without a second thought.

These items are small, common, and easy to overlook — but once compacted in a waste truck, they can spark, overheat, or even explode.

Common Hidden Fire Risks

Power banks & gadgets – contain lithium batteries that can ignite if damaged or crushed.
Electrical cables & chargers – can short or spark when frayed or compressed.
Mini gas canisters / camping gear – contain pressurised gas that can burst under heat or pressure.
Hot ashes – can smoulder for hours and reignite when mixed with waste.
Halogen light bulbs & small electronics – need proper WEEE recycling, not household bins.

What to Do

Remember – if it’s powered, pressurised, or electrical — it doesn’t belong in your bin.
Bring these items to your local civic amenity site or relevant recycling point.
Let ashes cool fully and store in a metal container before disposal.
When in doubt, check mywaste.ie to find the right recycling option for your area.

What Not to Do

❌ Don’t mix these items into your general waste or recycling bins.

❌ Don’t assume “small = harmless” — these are among the most common fire starters in bins and trucks.

❌ Don’t store damaged electrical items or old chargers with other waste.

Why It Matters

Every year, preventable fires occur in waste trucks and recycling centres because of items like these. A single spark can cause serious damage to equipment, interrupt collection services, and put workers at risk.

By sorting carefully and recycling correctly, you’re keeping your bin, our crews, and your community safe — while helping valuable materials get recovered instead of burned or wasted.

Find Out More

Search any household item at mywaste.ie to see exactly how to dispose of it safely.

Aerosols? Not in the Bin!

Many everyday household items — deodorant cans, air fresheners, cleaning sprays, etc. are pressurised. When these aerosols are punctured, crushed or heated in waste trucks, they can burst or ignite, posing serious fire and safety risks.

What to do with aerosols

✔️ Bring them to your local civic amenity site for safe disposal.
✔️ Store them upright and away from heat until you’re ready to recycle.

What not to do

❌ Don’t put aerosols in general or recycling bins.
❌ Don’t pierce or crush cans – this is dangerous.
❌ Don’t store them near heat sources or flames.

Why it matters

Pressurised containers are a hidden fire and explosion risk. When mixed with other waste, they can ignite and cause serious fires in trucks or waste facilities.

Handled correctly, aerosols can be safely recycled – the metal can be reused, and harmful gases or propellants are managed properly.

You’re not just keeping your bin safe – you’re helping protect workers and the environment.

What Goes In Your Brown Bin? Here’s Our ‘Sort It’ Guide.

Curious about what exactly belongs in your brown bin—and why it’s so important? Let’s break it down.

The brown bin is your go-to for organic waste, and recycling it properly offers huge benefits for your home, the environment, and your wallet.

Here’s what you can put in your brown bin:

All food waste — both raw and cooked, including meat, fish (and bones), plate scrapings, bread, cakes, dairy products, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peelings, and out-of-date food (just remove any packaging first)
Coffee grounds & tea bags, as well as coffee filters, provided they’re paper — but plastic-containing filters should go in general waste
Food-soiled paper items — like napkins, paper towels, food-stained sections of pizza boxes
Light garden waste — grass clippings, small twigs, cut flowers, and plant trimmings
Certified compostable packaging — such as compostable cups, bowls, and cutlery (look for the EN 13432 / ‘Seedling’ certification)

Why Recycle Your Food Waste?

Environmental Impact:
Diverting food waste from landfill drops methane emissions and helps protect ecosystems. Composting alongside anaerobic digestion turns waste into valuable compost and even green energy
Circular Economy Benefits:
By recycling organic waste, you help create compost essential for farming, landscaping, community gardens — closing the loop on a circular, sustainable economy
Compliance & Accessibility:
Since January 2024, every household in Ireland is entitled to a brown bin for food and garden waste. This change makes participation easier and helps meet national recycling targets
Cost Savings:
Less general waste means lower disposal costs—your brown bin helps keep black bin charges down. Also, forming good habits like separating waste can reduce overall waste production
Avoid Contamination:
Over 50% of household food waste in Ireland ends up in the wrong bin. Recycling correctly ensures it goes where it belongs—helping cut contamination and improving recycling efficiency

Quick Tips: Make the Most of Your Brown Bin

Set up a mini-system at home:
Use three separate bins inside (food, recycling, general waste). Keep the brown bin handy; make general waste harder to reach to encourage recycling
Use labels and visuals:
Label each bin with pictures or simple words to avoid confusion—even early mornings will go smoothly
Create ownership and awareness:
Assign someone to manage the bins—this fosters care, accountability, and minimises contamination
Track your progress:
Keep a visual log of how much you’re recycling—use tools like BinDex (CityBin’s recycling stat report) to stay motivated
Clean & maintain your bin:
Rinse occasionally with vinegar or newspaper liners to reduce odours and keep pests away.

Ready to Use Your Brown Bin?

Step 1: Collect food scraps, coffee grounds, soiled paper, small garden cuttings — just avoid packaging, plastics, and oils.
Step 2: Confirm everything is compostable—look for EN 13432 certification.
Step 3: Dump everything into your brown bin and keep it well-organised.
Step 4: Watch for collection day, and take pride in making a positive impact!

By adopting these simple practices, you’re not just maintaining a cleaner kitchen — you’re part of a greener solution that benefits your community, environment, and pocket.

Guaranteed Irish Visit to The City Bin Co. Recycling Centre in Oranmore

We were delighted to welcome Melissa from Guaranteed Irish to our Recycling Centre in Oranmore this week. Her visit gave us a great opportunity to showcase the significant improvements we’ve made at the facility over the past year.

The Oranmore Recycling Centre has been redeveloped, with upgrades that allow us to process more materials on-site than ever before. These enhancements mean that cardboard, brown bin materials, and construction & demolition waste can now be handled directly at the centre, cutting down on external transport and improving recycling rates. In fact, the site now processes over 25 tonnes of cardboard every week – material that might otherwise have gone to waste.

The redevelopment has also been about making recycling easier and more accessible for the local community. New services such as Wood, Paint, and Mattress recycling have been added, giving households and businesses even more convenient options to recycle responsibly.

Melissa saw first-hand how these improvements are not only helping the environment but also supporting the wider community. By processing more materials locally, we’re reducing carbon emissions, improving resource recovery, and creating a facility that Galway residents can rely on for everyday recycling needs.

As proud members of Guaranteed Irish, we share their values of supporting local communities, creating jobs, and driving sustainable practices. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how investment in local facilities like Oranmore can deliver real environmental and community benefits.

And remember, when you see the Guaranteed Irish ‘G’ on our website, mobile apps, trucks, bins, and other assets, it’s your sign that The City Bin Co. is a company rooted in Ireland, supporting Irish jobs, and committed to doing business the right way.

We’d like to thank Melissa and the Guaranteed Irish team for their continued support, and we look forward to working together as we build on our mission to make recycling simpler, smarter, and more sustainable for everyone.

Recycling Food Packaging: Your Complete Guide

Recycling your food packaging shouldn’t feel like a chore – especially with the right know-how. Here’s how to make your household more eco‑friendly the easy way, supporting our broader “Sort It” initiative and contributing to smarter waste habits.

What Ireland’s Recycling Targets Show Us

Ireland recycled just 59% of packaging in 2023, falling short of the 65% target for 2025. That gap underlines how much room we have to improve household recycling, particularly when we pay attention to what goes into each bin. EPA Ireland

Know What’s Actually Recyclable

Most food packaging is recyclable — but not everything. Avoid items made from Styrofoam, polystyrene, or “number 7” mixed plastics.
Packaging choices matter: clear/light-blue PET bottles and natural HDPE containers are more valuable to recycling systems. If you’re designing packaging, label aluminium well and steer clear of complex, non-removable materials. repak.ie

Quick Recycling Wins Every Week

Rinse and empty packaging before recycling. This small step keeps bins cleaner and lowers contamination risk. theguardian.com+9How2Recycle+9realsimple.com+9
Keep recyclables loose – no bags. Bags jam machines and can cause entire batches to be discarded.
Don’t bin the lids – screw them back on. These stay attached during processing and recycle more efficiently with their containers. How2Recycle

In Summary

Know what items are recyclable in your local system.
Rinse, keep recyclables loose, and replace lids.
Support initiatives like DRS and keep an eye on legislation that promotes better recycling outcomes.

Together, these steps can help Ireland meet its targets – and make your “Sort It” pledge something you’re proud of.

Sort It! – How Segregated Bins Can Cut Your Waste Costs

Waste management in the workplace isn’t just about being green — it’s about saving money too.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste bills is bin segregation: making sure different waste streams are separated at source. When you “sort it” in the office, warehouse, café, or showroom, you’re cutting contamination, reducing landfill charges, and maximising recycling rebates.

Here are some practical tips to get started:

1. Know Your Waste Streams

In Ireland, most commercial premises will benefit from separating into:

General Waste (black or grey bin)
Mixed Recycling (green bin)
Food Waste (brown bin)
Some workplaces might also need dedicated bins for glass, cardboard, or confidential shredding. Check our ‘what can go in your bin’ guide — and make sure everyone knows what goes where.

2. Position Bins Where the Waste Happens

People are more likely to sort correctly when it’s easy.

Place bins in kitchens, staff rooms, print stations, and near desks.
For retail or hospitality, put them back-of-house and at customer points.
Avoid the “single lonely bin” in the corner — it just becomes a dumping ground for everything.

3. Use Clear Labelling & Colour Coding

Labels with photos of what goes in each bin work best — especially for new staff or visitors.
Stick to standard Irish colours where possible:

Black/Grey for General Waste
Green for Recycling
Brown for Food Waste
The less people have to think, the better the segregation will be.

4. Train Your Team (and Keep It Fresh)

A short briefing or toolbox talk can make a big difference.

Explain why segregation matters (lower costs, better for the planet, avoids fines).
Do quick “bin audits” every few months and share the results with the team.
Celebrate improvements — a simple email or shout-out works wonders.

5. Monitor Your Costs & Volumes

We can supply reports showing weight per waste stream.

If your general waste volumes drop, you’ll see the savings in your bill.
More recycling = fewer landfill charges.
Some companies have cut their waste costs by 20–40% just by improving segregation.

The Bottom Line:
Segregated bins aren’t just good for the environment — they’re good for your budget. By making it easy for staff and customers to sort correctly, you’ll reduce disposal costs, improve recycling rates, and help Ireland meet its waste targets.

#SortItCampaign #Sustainability #OfficeRecycling #EcoFriendly #GreenOffice #WasteManagement

Let’s Work Together & Sort It! at Work

As the focus on sustainability continues to grow, offices have become key areas where significant environmental impact can be made. Implementing sustainable practices within the workplace not only helps the environment but can also create a more positive and engaging work culture. In this blog post, we’ll share some handy hints to help improve recycling efforts and promote sustainability among workers in your office.

Set Up Clearly Labelled Recycling Stations

One of the simplest ways to encourage recycling in the office is by setting up clearly labelled recycling stations. Ensure that bins for paper, plastics, glass, and general waste are easily accessible and clearly marked. This reduces confusion and makes it easier for employees to dispose of their waste correctly.

Tip: Place recycling stations in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, near printers, and in break rooms. Include posters or guides above the bins to remind staff of what can and cannot be recycled.

Encourage Paperless Practices

The digital age offers countless opportunities to reduce paper use in the office. Encourage employees to embrace paperless practices by using digital documents, emails, and cloud storage instead of printing.

Tip: Set printers to double-sided printing by default and encourage staff to think before they print. Offer training sessions on digital tools that can help reduce paper usage, such as PDF editing software or cloud collaboration platforms.

Reuse Office Supplies

Before purchasing new office supplies, consider whether existing items can be reused or repurposed. Items like file folders, binders, and envelopes can often be used multiple times before they need to be replaced.

Tip: Create a designated area for reusable supplies where employees can drop off or pick up items they no longer need. This can reduce the demand for new supplies and minimize waste.

Promote the Use of Reusable Items

Encourage employees to use reusable items such as coffee mugs, water bottles, and lunch containers. This reduces the amount of single-use plastic and paper waste generated in the office.

Tip: Provide reusable items branded with the company logo as part of an eco-friendly welcome pack for new employees. Consider setting up a dishwasher in the office kitchen to make it easier for staff to clean and reuse their items.

Organise Office Recycling Challenges

Make recycling fun by organizing office-wide recycling challenges. Set goals for reducing waste or increasing recycling rates, and offer rewards for teams or individuals who achieve the best results.

Tip: Track the office’s recycling progress and share updates regularly. Consider rewarding the winning team with a lunch outing, extra break time, or a donation to an environmental charity in their name.

Educate and Engage Employees

Education is key to improving sustainability in the workplace. Provide regular training sessions or workshops on recycling and sustainable practices. Share tips and success stories in company newsletters or on the intranet.

Tip: Invite guest speakers from local recycling organizations or environmental groups to give presentations or hold Q&A sessions with employees. This can provide valuable insights and inspire further action.

Implement a Green Office Program

Consider implementing a formal green office program that includes policies and practices focused on sustainability. This can range from simple initiatives like energy-saving measures to comprehensive programs that address all aspects of office operations.

Tip: Establish a “Green Team” of volunteers who are passionate about sustainability. They can help drive the program, monitor progress, and come up with new ideas to improve the office’s environmental impact.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Encouraging energy-saving habits is another important aspect of sustainability. Simple actions like turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and setting computers to sleep mode can make a big difference.

Tip: Install motion sensors for office lighting in less frequently used areas such as storage rooms and bathrooms. Encourage staff to unplug chargers and electronics when they’re not in use to avoid phantom energy drain.

Conclusion

Improving sustainability in the office is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the overall well-being and morale of employees. By implementing these handy hints, you can create a more eco-friendly workplace that encourages recycling and sustainable practices among workers. Let’s work together to make our offices greener and more responsible places to work.