BIGbin makes a BIG impact – now in Mitchelstown

Tom Shaughnessy, store manager at Circle K (left) with Ciarán Cotter of BIGbin, showing how the system works at the Circle K Service Station Station in Mitchelstown. (Picture: Marian Roche)

A fantastic new waste solution was officially opened at Circle K Service Station Station in Mitchelstown last week. Located at the rear of the shop beside the washing machines, the service has proved to be a big hit at locations all over Ireland, allowing people to dispose of rubbish whenever they need to, for a small cost.

Ciarán Cotter from BIGbin, a Glanworth native, spoke to The Avondhu and explained how the waste collection system works and how it can help the people of Mitchelstown and surrounding areas.

“There are BIGbins all over the country now and from feedback we’re getting, they’re definitely proving to be a great service for people,” Ciarán said. “For example, there are people who live alone or have small families and do not generate enough waste to justify the expense of a fortnightly bin collection. They can bring their bags to the BIGbin and dispose of them for as little as €4 for recycling.

“It solves a big problem for people who live in the countryside and don’t have a service on their road or laneway. It’s also great for households when they have extra bags every now and again. You only need to pay for it when you need to use it!”

HELPING COMBAT ILLEGAL DUMPING

Ciarán says that the BIGbin has also been a major weapon in the fight against illegal dumping: “Illegal dumping is something that Mitchelstown and the whole of Ireland has to deal with on a regular basis. It can be a temptation for people who are struggling to pay waste costs. I have seen it myself around our precious local beauty spots and want to do my part to stop it happening,” he said.

“With BIGbin, people can get rid of two big black sacks of rubbish for €9 and a bag of recycling for as little as €4. You can also dispose of food waste as well for €5. People from The Avondhu area have been messaging us consistently for the past few years to install a BIGbin and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to do so in Circle K. I really hope that it proves to be as valuable as it has been for other towns around Ireland.”

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Ciarán, said that he was delighted to see the BIGbin now in Mitchelstown: “This is our second one in Cork,” Ciarán said. “The feedback already is positive as so many have not the time or means to travel to the recycling centre in Cashel or Cork City with excess recycling or rubbish. The value is competitive and it’s a facility that everyone can use.”

He added that it’s also helping the environment: “In a time where we are all so much aware of climate change and our carbon footprint, this launch is a timely welcome, as we all do our bit for the environment. While Mitchelstown has free recycling for bottles, cans and clothing in Tesco and SuperValu car parks, this initiative will be a huge asset to the people of Mitchelstown and its surroundings for other household rubbish.”

DROP ALONG

The exact location of the BIGbin in Mitchelstown is at is Circle K in the town (P67 XP22). Tickets for the BIGbin can be purchased in Circle K or users can set up an account online at www.BIGbin.ie