New waste disposal service proposed for local rugby club site

A company called BIGbin Waste Tech Ltd has signalled its intention to apply for planning permission for the placement of what's described as a “pay-to-use portable waste compactor” for residual waste/food waste, and another for mixed dry recyclables, on the site of Buccaneers Rugby Club, Coosan Road.

Based in Waterford, the company's website promotes itself as a “simple pay-as-you-go alternative to traditional household rubbish and recycling collection services” and boasts 33 compactors in 12 locations in Ireland, the nearest to here is at the Casey's Circle K forecourt in Roscommon town.

Earlier this year, the company announced an agreement for the placement of BIGbins on forecourts of Circle K stations had been renewed up to September of 2022, adding that it gives the potential for over 300 new sites in the future.

A BIGbin uses the equivalent of a car park space and is fully self-contained with no leaks of odours, according to its website, with access only possible when the drum opens when a customer keys in their voucher code, having bought a ticket with a code online or in a shop. The bins look similar to some clothes recycling facilities and the company website explains that a customer can typically fit two 80-litre black bags or clear recycling bags in either drum per use.

BIGbin says they “recover and recycle up to 100% of the rubbish collected by their waste compactor units” which are constantly monitored remotely to ensure they “are clean and emptied when full”.

This activity requires the developer to have a waste collection permit/certificate of registration, the recently published planning notice indicates, and the applicant has a fortnight from the publication of the notice to submit the formal plans to Westmeath County Council.