Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) for Householders on the
EU (Household Food Waste & Bio Waste) Regulations 2013
1. What is the purpose of the 3rd Bin
The 3rd bin has been introduced due to a new law. It is being introduced on a phased basis
depending on the population size of the cities, towns and villages nationwide.
The purpose of the 3rd bin is to separate out food waste from landfill waste and to recover the
waste so it can be reused as a resource – compost.
2. What type of material is accepted in the 3rd Bin
All food waste being generated from a household. Including;
 Cooked and uncooked food
 Meat, fish, poultry and bones
 Food scrapes from plates
 Leftovers
 Out of date food (packaging removed)
 Fruit and vegetables
 Eggs and egg shells
 Tea bags/coffee grinds/coffee filters
 Bread, cakes, biscuits
 Soups & sauces
3. What type of material is NOT accepted in the 3rd Bin
The 3rd bin is only for food waste. The following items are not permitted in the 3rd bin.
Ash, Coal, Cinders
Cooking oils
Plastic packaging
Nappies/sanitary items
Medicines
Pet waste
4. Can I put garden waste in the 3rd bin
Check with your service provider. Most 3rd bins can accept cut flowers, plant trimmings,
leaves & grass clippings.
5. Can I put my food waste into a plastic bag before I place it into the 3rd bin?
No, only specified compostable bags are permitted. Contact your waste service provider
directly as each service provider may differ in advice.
6. Why is there a specific area for the 3rd bin and other areas are not required to use a 3rd bin
The collection area for the 3rd bin is defined by law. Maps of the Kilkenny area are available
on the web and paper copies are available from the Environment Section of Kilkenny County
Council in County Hall on John Str. The third bin is being introduced into Kilkenny City and
environs in January 2014 and it will be introduced into other towns and villages at a later
date.
7. What happens the food waste when it is collected
Food waste collected by your service provider will be brought to an industrial size
composting facility where the food waste is treated under special conditions to produce
compost. There are many facilities operating in the SE region including 1 in Tipperary and 2
in Carlow.
8. Is the third bin and the brown bin the same thing?
Yes, each service provider supplies their bins/bags to their customers. Brown is a common
colour for the food waste bin however the service provider may use a different colour bin
therefore it is being referred as a third bin to avoid confusion.
9. Will my waste bills increase due to the introduction of this service?
The pay structure of the 3rd bin is a matter between you and your waste service provider.
10. I live within the 3rd bin zone and have a bin service collection but do not generate a lot of
food waste; do I need to take a brown bin?
All homes generate food waste and even homes that have a basic home composter cannot
put cooked food waste or bones into a composter. No food can be placed in the landfill bin
so if you do not use the 3rd bin then you will have to frequently use a civic amenity
site/recycling centre to dispose of your food waste on a periodic basis. Should you use this
service, keep your receipts in case you are asked to provide proof by the Council on how you
deal with your food waste as house checks may occur in 2014.
11. I live outside the 3rd bin zone but I want a 3rd bin, is my service provider obliged to provide
me with a 3rd bin?
If you live outside the area specified by law, your service provider is only obliged to provide
you with a landfill and recycling bin.
12. Since taking the 3rd bin I have noticed that the household wastes a lot of food. Is there any
advice on how to reduce the amount of food I throw out?
There is an excellent Irish website that provides lots of advice on how to reduce food waste.
Visit www.stopfoodwaste.ie for further information.
13. I do not want to take a 3rd bin on the grounds it will be smell and dirty, is there any guidance
on how to stop odours?
Before the introduction of the 3rd bin, all food waste was being placed into your landfill bin,
so the odour won’t be any worse. Here are some tips to reduce odour.
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Wrap food waste in 2 sheets of old newspaper to deter flies and control odours
Keep your bin in a shady area
Place sheets of cardboard at the sides and bottom of the bin to keep it clean
Brown materials such as leaves, or dry grass help control odours
During the summer present your food bin for collection more regularly
14. I live within the 3rd bin zone and when I rang my waste service provider and I was instructed
that they are not providing a 3rd bin service. What should I do now?
If your house is located within the 3rd bin zone, your service provider is legally obliged to
provide the service. Kilkenny Local Authorities Waste Enforcement Team would like to hear
from the public should your service provider refuse to provide you with a 3rd bin. Your
service provider is making you non compliant with the law. Please ring the Environment
Section to report waste management service providers who have failed to supply you with a
3rd bin for food waste. Ring 056-7794470.
15. I do not have a waste collection service; do I need to comply with the new law?
All homes within the defined 3rd bin area must segregate food waste from their landfill
waste. If you use a recycling centre, they will have a provision for the separation of food
waste if they accept general refuse as no food waste is to be disposed via landfill. If you do
not have a waste collection service and you have no proof that you use a recycling centre
should waste enforcements officers call to your home further questions will be asked in
relation to your waste management practices.
16. If I don’t comply with the law, what will happen to me?
There is a fine structure in place as set out in the regulation however Kilkenny Local
Authorities is keen to work in partnership with the local community to ensure that everyone
within the area becomes compliant over the weeks ahead.