Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, to the majority of households in our community this has become the norm. Busy householders now take pride in their recycling programme. The majority of people are trying their best to do their part to tackle the waste problem.

The gathering of like-minded people at Bring Centres on Saturday mornings has become a new social event. The recent topic of conversation has been the total lack of green waste recycling, especially at this time of year when most gardeners are preparing their garden for the winter season.

Other items on the agenda are cardboard packaging, such as corrugated board. This cannot be torn up and placed in green bins or bags, because it is classified as industrial. The dreaded polystyrene packaging is not accepted in most recycling centres. The most recent complaint is that some recycling centres are refusing to accept computers. This I felt was strange as the new recycling centre on Pigeon House Rd lists computer equipment as part of their recycling efforts.

A recent query to Peter Morley at Cambridge House clarified matters. He informed me that the acceptance of green waste at the recycling facility on Pigeon House Road and Londonbridge Bring Centre was discontinued. This follows the temporary closure of the Green depot at Saint Anne’s Park on the 18th of August last. Peter also informed me while there are no plans to restore the green facility at either of the recycling centres in Dublin 4, the St Anne’s facility, entrance via all Saints Road is scheduled to reopen on Monday 27th of September. Householders may take their green waste to this facility during the following hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm during summertime, and 8.30 am to 4.00pm in wintertime; on Fridays between the hours of 8.30am and 2.00pm and on Saturdays between 10.00 and 1.00pm.

There is a charge for vehicles using the Bring Centre. A car costs €5 and a small trailer €30. For those households with the space, DCC can supply you with a well-designed and neat composting bin, for a small fee. You can then store your green waste including kitchen peels and other organic material, and create your own compost for next spring.

Peter informed me that there is no change to the type of household goods, including computer equipment accepted at the facility. However he emphasised that the facility is authorised for household use only. Materials presented by commercial operators will therefore not be accepted. There may be some instances where the volume of items or the nature of transport used in individual deliveries suggests a commercial operation. He said if householders have doubts about anything they want to dispose of then it would be advisable to phone the Centre in advance at 6144750.

The Recycling centre at Pigeon House Road is open six days a week, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday and Bank holidays between the hours of 9.00 and 4.00pm, from February 1st to October 31st. During the months of November, December and January it opens Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturdays 9am to 2.00pm.