Council has ‘no plans’ to provide compost bins in public spaces

Westmeath County Council has no plans to provide public compost litter bins in the Athlone Moate Municipal District this summer, but is planning to pilot a segregated dry recycling/ general waste bin at a high footfall location in Athlone.

This was the response given by the council to a motion from Green Party councillor, Louise Heavin, who called for the introduction of public compost litter bins alongside litter bins for recycling and also sought an increase in the number of bins being provided by the council in order to facilitate an outdoor summer. Cllr Heavin pointed out that there are “no facilities locally” to compost materials, and she said there is a need for the council to introduce such facilities as soon as possible, particularly due to the fact that most people will be enjoying an outdoor summer.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke said he was “100% behind” the Green Party motion, but while director of services, Barry Kehoe, said he could “see merit in the proposal” he said there are currently “no plans” to provide public compost bins.

Mr Kehoe said the council would have to organise a separate collection for compostable material, and this would pose difficulties as they are constrained by budgets and staffing issues. “It is a shame to see compostable waste going into general waste bins, but providing public compost bins will be a challenge, and we need to educate people first,” he said.

Before any compost bins can be provided in public areas, Mr Kehoe said the local authority would first have to encourage “a better uptake” of the third bin (for compostable materials) at household level.

“If we can educate people in their own homes, then it is more likely that they will use a compost bin in the public domain,” he added.

However, the council’s written response to Cllr Heavin’s motion said there are plans to pilot a segregated dry recycling/general waste bin at a high footfall location in Athlone.

“All businesses licensed for outdoor dining and all commercial businesses are responsible for managing the waste they create, and individuals are encouraged to dispose of their litter in a responsible manner,” stated the council response.

Cllr Heavin said she was “disappointed” with the council response, but she welcomed the fact that the so-called “latte levy” on disposable coffee cups is due to come on stream later this year.