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Contamination
One of the main challenges facing waste management in Galway city is the high level of non-recyclable waste being placed in the green bin and the high level of non-compostable waste being placed in the brown bin.
It is vitally important that the correct waste is placed in the correct bin.
· If a recycling bin containing contaminated waste is emptied into a bin truck and, subsequently, brought to a recycling station, it can potentially contaminate an entire recycling load. This leads to inefficiencies in the sorting and recycling processes and, in certain cases, all of the waste will have to be landfilled.
· The level of contamination can determine the destination for the recycling. The cleaner and better segregated the material the more choice there is in outlets and a higher possibility for processing closer to the original source of waste.
· Please note that some items which can be recycled are not accepted in the green bins in Galway City. This is because the waste accepted is determined by the processes involved in sorting and recycling the material and, also, the markets available to sell it. For example, although all types of plastic can be recycled, they cannot all be placed in your green bin. For more information on plastic recycling, click here. Wet paper means that there will be high moisture content in the paper bales and this will affect the operations in the mills. For more information on paper recycling, click here.
· Biodegradable bags are not suitable for use in the brown bin. Biodegradable bags are not compostable and can take months or even years to break down. Biodegradable and compostable are not the same thing. Compostable bags are available to purchase in many shops in Galway City. They are usually made of starch or maize and will have an OK Compost Mark.
Everything from outboard motors and money to needles and cats have been found in green bins in Galway City. Please segregate your waste properly. If you are unsure of what bin to place your waste in, please e-mail environment@galwaycity.ie or click here.