Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Greyhound

Bin company may stop collecting rubbish bags in Dublin for 'health and safety reasons'

A number of incidents involving syringes in bin bags has given waste company Greyhound pause for thought.

catherine2 A number of syringes found in a discarded rubbish bag in Ballymun in September Facebook Facebook

WASTE DISPOSAL COMPANY Greyhound has said that it may no longer collect bin bag for “health and safety” reasons.

The company, Ireland’s largest disposer of household waste, says it is “reconsidering its policy” with regard to the bags.

Recently a collection worker’s hand was pierced by a syringe that had been discarded in a bag (which led to a court action against Dublin City Council), while a toddler in Ballymun also cut her hand on a syringe in a discarded bag in September.

The collection of bags in Dublin was to be banned from July following the introduction of EU legislation to that effect (many streets in Dublin use marked or branded bags rather than wheelie bins for rubbish collection).

However, lobbying action from certain councillors led to 900 of 1,000 streets earmarked for waste collection being given a derogation from that order.

“Bin bags have been a source of risk to our crews  with syringes, broken glass and other sharp instruments found discarded in bags,” says John Brosnan, Greyhound’s managing director.

We have a duty of care to our employees and must reassess, as a matter or urgency, the dangers to which they are being exposed. Local children are also being exposed to risk.
For some time now, we have been urging people to switch to bins which are more convenient; cleaner and present less  risk to our collection crews. We don’t understand why some local representatives are neglecting workers and public safety.

“There is also an issue with counterfeit bags,” he added.

Read: Two dogs ‘arrested’ in Finglas after chasing man on bike

Read: Poll: Are you in favour of water services remaining in public ownership?

Your Voice
Readers Comments
62
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.