Bag Free Streets Programme – Phase 3
Tell Us What You Think About the Bag Free Streets Programme
Dublin City Council is seeking your views on the proposed rollout of Phase 3 of the Bag Free Streets Programme, due to commence on 17th October 2026 following a period of public engagement and consultation.
The programme aims to improve street cleanliness, reduce litter and vermin, and support better recycling and waste segregation across the city. It forms part of Dublin City Council's wider Clean City Strategy and supports national and European waste management requirements.
What is the Bag Free Streets Programme?
The programme removes the temporary allowance that permits household and commercial waste to be presented on public streets in plastic bags. Instead, waste must be presented in approved reusable bins or caddies supplied by authorised waste collection providers.
The change is designed to:
- Reduce litter caused by torn bags.
- Improve street cleanliness.
- Reduce vermin activity.
- Improve accessibility on footpaths.
- Support waste segregation and recycling.
- Create a cleaner, safer and more attractive city.
Why is Change Needed?
For many years, parts of Dublin were designated as "bag collection areas" to accommodate older housing stock with limited storage space. However, waste presented in bags frequently becomes scattered across streets due to birds, vermin and human interference.
This leads to:
- Litter on streets and footpaths.
- Contamination of recycling and food waste.
- Increased cleansing costs.
- Additional pressure on Dublin City Council resources.
- Poorer environmental outcomes.
The Council's cleansing crews respond daily to incidents involving torn waste bags, often before routine street cleaning can begin.
Results from Phase 1 and Phase 2
Phase 1
Key outcomes include:
- Approximately 1,000 waste bags per night have been removed from city streets.
- A reduction of approximately 20 tonnes of illegally presented waste per month being managed through Dublin City Council resources.
- Estimated savings of approximately €50,000 per year in illegal dumping disposal costs.
Phase 2
Phase 2 began in May 2026 across approximately 110 streets in the North Inner City. While it is still too early to provide detailed findings, Dublin City Council expects to see similar positive outcomes to those achieved during Phase 1.
What is Proposed for Phase 3?
Phase 3 will affect parts of the Dublin 7 area, including Stoneybatter, Broadstone and Phibsborough.
From 17th October 2026, waste will no longer be presented in plastic bags on public streets within the Phase 3 area. Waste must instead be presented in approved reusable receptacles.
Waste collectors have advised that residents will have access to a range of options.
Dublin City Council does not provide household waste collection services and does not set waste collection charges.
Current Solutions Available to Residents
Following engagement with authorised waste collectors, a range of flexible options are available to households, including:
- 45-litre caddies
- 80-litre wheelie bins
- 120-litre wheelie bins and larger bins where required
- Pay-by-lift service options
- Flexible pricing plans
- Recycling and organic waste collection services
These options are intended to accommodate different household sizes and property types while providing greater choice for residents
Where Does Phase 3 Apply?
The proposed Phase 3 area covers parts of Dublin 7, including:
- Stoneybatter
- Phibsborough
- Broadstone
Why We Want Your Feedback
The implementation of Phase 3 was deferred following feedback from residents and elected members.
This gives residents, businesses and community groups an opportunity to:
- Learn more about the proposal.
- Raise concerns.
- Highlight local issues.
- Suggest practical improvements.
- Help inform the final implementation process.
All submissions will be reviewed. The last date for submission is 31st August 2026.
FAQs
Top Questions
What is changing?
Dublin City Council is intending to introduce Phase 3 of the Bag Free Streets Programme in parts of Dublin 7 from 17th October 2026. When implemented, waste will no longer be presented for collection in plastic bags on public streets within the Phase 3 area. Instead, waste must be presented in approved reusable bins or caddies supplied by an authorised waste collection provider.
I live in a small house. What are my options?
Waste collectors have advised that smaller stackable caddy systems are available for homes with limited storage space. These caddies are designed for higher-density urban areas and can be stacked when not in use. Residents may also wish to discuss container options with their waste collector to find a solution that best suits their property.
Why is this happening?
The programme aims to reduce litter, improve street cleanliness, support waste segregation and reduce problems caused by birds, vermin and torn waste bags. It also supports compliance with existing waste management legislation and Dublin City Council's Waste Management Bye-Laws. Similar changes introduced in other parts of the city have resulted in cleaner streets and reduced levels of illegally presented waste.
Will this cost me more?
Waste collection charges are set by private waste collection companies and not by Dublin City Council. A range of service options are available and residents are encouraged to compare providers and collection plans. Waste collectors have advised that pay-per-lift options may be available for households that generate smaller amounts of waste.
Can neighbours share bins?
Yes. Neighbouring households may share waste receptacles where suitable arrangements are agreed between the households involved.
What happens if I continue using bags?
When Phase 3 proceeds, the current derogation allowing waste to be presented in bags will cease. Waste presented in plastic bags may be then subject to enforcement action under the Dublin City Council Waste Management Bye-Laws.
Phases
Your Views
Have Your Say
We want to hear from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders within the Phase 3 area.
Your feedback will help us understand:
- Local concerns and opportunities.
- Storage and accessibility considerations.
- Communication needs.
- Any issues that should be considered before rollout.
Consultation Closing Date: 31st August 2026
All submissions received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered as part of the Council's decision-making process.