About 69% of Irish homes already have a brown bin, and those who haven't been able to use the service yet are encouraged to schedule one by contacting their garbage collection.

Those who choose not to have a brown bin must, however, give a detailed explanation of how they intend to get rid of their food waste.

Conor Walsh, the secretary of the Irish Waste Management Association, clarified that the rule in question has been amended and has been in effect for around ten years.

“Up until now, people in urban areas, towns, villages, cities have been entitled to brown bin, and most people have taken a brown bin, and that's going to be extended now to all of Ireland - to the rural areas as well, which is about 400,000 more people.”

He added in an interview with RTÉ's Morning Ireland that it will be implemented gradually starting on January 1st and that “it won't happen overnight, on the 1st of January.”

People must realise, he argued, that “the brown bin is a legal requirement, not a lifestyle choice.”

“There are several reasons why food waste has to be separated, and some may not be aware that it may be used to generate compost or biogas, which can take the place of fossil fuels. Replace peat with compost.”

“So environmentally, it's very, very important that we segregate the food waste.”

According to Mr. Walsh, the law will be phased in over the course of the next six months, having only been completed with the garbage businesses around a week ago.

He continued: “The legal need has only applied to food waste up until now, but it is now expanding to include garden trash. And that applies to the whole nation. Therefore, from March through October, we are required to offer garden trash collection services, which must occur at least once every month.”

Many individuals already have enormous brown bins for collecting yard garbage, he continued.

“However, 150,000 or so homes nationwide have caddies rather than bins. It is solely for food waste, nothing more.”

“Thus, such clients will be eligible for a minimum monthly garden trash pickup. But they'll cover the costs. This isn't a gratis service.”

He stated that to inform their clientele about the impending brown bin, the waste management firm will be getting in touch with them.

“A shockingly large number of individuals owning brown bins do not use them. And it's a really big deal because you need people to know that throwing food trash in any other container is against the law.”

“So, food waste is being disposed of in the general garbage container. It is unlawful to dispose of food waste in both the general garbage and recycling bins, as we are aware of. Additionally, folks must use the brown bin.”

Related article: New Law Gives Everyone a Brown Bin for Recycling