Vol. 515 No. 3
62 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether the local authorities which do not implement a charge for services for waste collection conform with his Department's waste strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5775/00]
The October 1998 policy statement on waste management – Changing our Ways – recognises as fundamental to efficient waste management that all producers of waste pay fully for its collection, treatment and disposal. Changing our Ways specifically recommends that local authorities move rapidly towards full cost recoupment for waste services that they provide, and, as a matter of equity and to incentivise waste reduction, the level of waste charges imposed by local authorities should vary according to usage.
Local authorities are empowered by the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1983 to charge for the services that they provide. While the majority of authorities now charge for waste collection and disposal, the imposition of such charges is a matter for each local authority and one in which I have no function.
