Illegal Dumping In Wicklow Uplands Falls Significantly Over The Last Decade

Volunteer collaboration is working well in combating illegal dumping in many parts of Wicklow

The environmental initiative Pure (Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments) has recorded a 46% reduction in illegal dumping across the Wicklow and Dublin uplands compared with levels reported in 2015.

The programme, which brings together statutory bodies and environmental stakeholders, says the long-term trend reflects the impact of sustained monitoring, enforcement and community engagement since its establishment in 2006.

Multi-agency partnership approach

Pure is a joint initiative involving the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Wicklow County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Coillte, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, and the Wicklow Uplands Council.

It was set up to address persistent illegal dumping in the uplands region through a combination of enforcement, education and local volunteer engagement.

2025 waste collection figures

In 2025, the Pure truck responded to 900 illegal dumping sites across the uplands, removing more than 125,000kg (125 tonnes) of waste.

This represents a 14% decrease on 2024, when approximately 146,000kg (146 tonnes) was cleared. However, the programme notes that early 2025 saw a high level of activity, with 55,000kg of waste removed in the first four months alone.

Material collected ranged from household furniture and appliances to construction waste, tyres, green waste and other domestic refuse.

Since its establishment, Pure reports it has removed more than 4.2 million kg of waste from over 16,700 dumping sites, based on over 17,700 logged reports and complaints.

Long-term decline since peak levels

While 2025 saw substantial removals, figures remain significantly lower than historical peaks. In 2008, Pure recorded its highest annual total of around 440,000kg of waste removed. By comparison, 2025 levels represent a reduction of approximately 71% from that peak.

The organisation says this long-term decline demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intervention and community reporting.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said the results highlight the value of local partnerships and volunteer involvement.

He said the continued reduction in dumping showed the effectiveness of the collaborative model and paid tribute to volunteers involved in the Pure Mile initiative.

Minister of State Alan Dillon also praised the work of communities and project partners, describing efforts to protect the uplands as a significant contribution to environmental protection over the past two decades.

Pure says its work is underpinned by continuous mapping and data collection of illegal dumping sites, including location, type of waste and estimated volumes.

The organisation maintains a GIS-based database to track incidents and inform enforcement and prevention strategies.

Project staff warn that rapid removal remains essential, noting that unattended dumping can attract further illegal disposal activity.

Glencree Walking Group (Pure Mile)

Pure Mile

A key element of the programme is the Pure Mile initiative, which engages local communities in environmental maintenance and awareness.

In 2025, participation grew to more than 3,500 volunteers, marking the most successful year for the scheme to date.

Volunteers adopt sections of road or landscape and carry out litter picks, clean-ups and local heritage work. Since its launch in 2009, participants have improved more than 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of roads and surrounding landscapes.

Last year, Pure Mile groups completed over 1,600 clean-up events and collected more than 4,000 bags of litter and waste.

Future of the project

Although current funding for Pure is due to conclude in December, the organisation says discussions with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment have been positive.

A new three-year funding submission has been made, and the project remains optimistic that support will continue.

Reporting illegal dumping

Members of the public can report illegal dumping in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands by emailing info@pureproject.ie or calling 0402 28662.