Waste Management Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Questions (229)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

229. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is willing to annul statutory instrument no. 24 of 2016 and the recent amendment made to it regarding the pay-by-weight scheme for refuse to allow the new relevant joint Oireachtas committee on the environment to examine the whole issue in detail and its implications for the cost of disposal of refuse in rural communities where there is only one service provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15319/16]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, as amended, there has been a requirement since 1 July 2015 for collectors to weigh household waste collected at kerbside, using approved weighing instruments and to make this information available to the householder. From 1 July 2016, there will be a requirement to charge on a pay-by-weight per kilogramme basis for collecting household waste.

It is not proposed to move the 1 July 2016 deadline with regard to the application of pay-by-weight in respect of the collection of household waste at kerbside, especially in light of the 12-month lead-in period referred to above. In an open market, it has been, and will continue to be, a matter for the collector to set charges at the level they consider to be competitive, in compliance with the requirements of the legislation. Excessive pricing by individual companies will offer the opportunity for rival operators to provide their services at a cheaper price.