The bin men take rubbish to landfills. The EU requires the volume of organic materials going to landfill to be reduced, so councils are encouraging diversion of organic waste from landfills
To do this many sell home compost bins at cost (Wexford County Council currently selling bins at a special offer rate of €15 instead versus about €40 - €50 in the shops). The councils also offer a free christmas tree shredding service as well. see your local papers or ring your local council to see where your nearest one is.