Royal Dublin
Royal Dublin’s Sustainable Waste Management Programme
Royal Dublin’s Sustainable Waste Management Programme
Located at the heart of the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere, The Royal Dublin Golf Club holds a unique responsibility, not just as custodians of a historic links, but as active stewards of a rare and sensitive natural environment. Every initiative we undertake must balance the club’s tradition with an enduring commitment to sustainability. With that in mind, we’re proud to announce the rollout of our new Sustainable Waste Management Programme, developed in partnership with Thorntons Recycling.
As part of Golf Ireland’s pilot programme to support a more circular economy in Irish golf, Royal Dublin has taken a leadership role in reducing landfill waste, maximising resource recovery, and encouraging behavioural change in how we manage our waste at every level of club operations.
Thorntons bring a proven track record in innovative, sustainable waste practices and will guide the club through compliance with the stricter environmental standards expected nationally in the years ahead. This will require a shift in mindset from staff and members alike, but one we believe is vital for the future of both the club and the wider biosphere community.
What Goes Where - Here’s how you can help ensure waste is correctly separated:
Recycled Waste
- Paper and cardboard: clean, dry newspapers, cardboard boxes, and paper packaging. No food contamination.
- Plastic: bottles, containers, and single-material packaging. No crisp packets or wrappers made of mixed materials.
- Metal: tins, cans, and clean aluminium foil.
Food Waste (Organic)
- All food scraps
- Paper towels
- Certified compostable packaging
General Waste
- Non-recyclable plastics such as plastic wrap and film
- Sanitary waste
- Tissues
Please note that no food, recyclable materials, or batteries should be placed in this bin.
Circular Economy in Action
- Our new system ensures each waste stream has a meaningful second life.
- Recyclables go to processing plants and are reintroduced into manufacturing.
- Organic waste is composted at Thorntons’ facility and returned either to the club grounds or to farmland.
- General waste is converted into ash and used as a component in concrete. Nothing goes to landfill.
Soon, we hope to make this compost available for member use, closing the loop right here at the club.
Our Biosphere, Our Responsibility
Being part of the Dublin Bay Biosphere means more than enjoying spectacular views and rich biodiversity, it means taking active steps to protect them. Through this programme, Royal Dublin not only reduces its footprint but strengthens its commitment to environmental leadership, showing how a golf club can thrive while championing sustainable values.
Chris Greely
Sustainability Coordinator
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