Dublin City Council in the Republic of Ireland has announced a new measure prohibiting businesses from presenting their waste in plastic bags, Dublin Live reported. 

This is one of the council’s comprehensive ‘Three Pillar Waste Management Strategy’, designed to improve the cleanliness of the city.  

The strategy's first pillar focuses on operational enhancements, the second on enforcement and regulatory changes, and the third promotes litter awareness through an advertising campaign. 

From 16 September 2024, there will be a transition period leading up to full compliance, which is expected by 1 January 2025.  

Lord mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan was quoted by the publication as saying: "Dublin is not ‘a dirty old town’ but for too long commercial premises have been allowed present their rubbish in plastic bags while homeowners have used wheelie bins.  

"The effect of this strategy in the short term is that commercial premises along Dawson Street, Grafton Street down to George’s Street and Temple Bar will no longer be able to present their waste in plastic bags. 

"The City Council has met with the private bin operators in our city and they are going to provide more flexible solutions for restaurants and shops which have nowhere to put a wheelie bin but without dumping rubbish on the street in a plastic bag.” 

The plan includes 90 streets such as Aungier St, Baggot St Lower, College Green, Grafton St and Temple Bar, among others.  

This initiative is a significant step towards addressing waste management issues and promoting environmental sustainability in Dublin.