Ireland’s bin collection system could be set for a major reform.
The Department of the Environment has been reviewing more than 250 submissions from a public consultation.
Currently, multiple private companies compete for business on the same streets, which some say keeps household bills reasonable.
But critics argue the system is inefficient and concentrated in the hands of a few operators.
Under the proposed franchise model, a single company would manage collections in each area, regulated on price and service, a system similar to much of Europe.
Consultants are reviewing submissions and will make recommendations to the Minister, who will decide whether to keep, tweak, or overhaul the system.
Recycling rates have plateaued, and parts of rural Ireland still lack regular collections, raising concerns about both coverage and environmental compliance.
The consultation also highlighted the tension between cost and convenience, with some households currently seeing three or four separate collection days a week, while others in rural areas struggle to get any service at all.
The Department of the Environment is expected to review the findings and issue guidance on next steps later this year.
