Dublin’s clothes banks are struggling with illegal dumping, prompting calls for urgent action from local officials to tackle the problem effectively
He pointed out that the design of these bins lets people rummage through donations. This often leads to unwanted items being tossed on the ground. It’s not just messy; it’s unhygienic too.
McAuliffe mentioned that people are constantly searching through the bins. Some are trying to sell what they find online, while others are just looking for clothes. It’s frustrating for residents who have to deal with the mess left behind.
Cleaning up these areas takes a lot of Council resources. Yet, every weekend and bank holiday, the same problem pops up. Places like Seamus Ennis Road and Shangan are particularly bad.
He believes it’s time for the Council to rethink the design of these bins. Adding CCTV could help catch those dumping illegally. If that’s not feasible, maybe it’s time to remove the bins altogether.
Last year, a new recycling depot opened in Ballymun, making it easier for people to recycle. McAuliffe thinks more folks should know about it. St Vincent De Paul also offers great support for those in need of clothing.
Dublin City Council acknowledged the rise in illegal dumping and scavenging. They said they service the textile and glass banks multiple times a week. However, there’s often a gap before they can return, which allows for more dumping.
To tackle this, they’ve set up a pilot maintenance team in the north city. This team will help clean the most problematic areas more frequently. They also plan to reinstall CCTV cameras at these locations by 2025.
The current bins are designed for efficiency, allowing quick servicing. But it’s clear that more needs to be done to keep our communities clean and tidy.
