Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017
560. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the interaction he has had with household waste disposal companies on reported changes in their charging structures, which are linked to the weight of waste being lifted; his plans to address the issue directly with the companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25592/17]
View answerThe charges applied by waste management companies are matters for those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation.
My Department is currently reviewing, together with the regulatory authorities and industry representatives, the introduction of an incentivised system which encourages people to prevent, reduce and segregate their waste. This approach is in line with Government waste policy to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill for waste disposal and will also facilitate the provision of a range of options for people to manage their waste costs.
I have already indicated quite clearly that any such system will encompass more than just the previously proposed pay-by-weight per-kilogramme model. It is important to acknowledge that many people are already on plans that encourage waste prevention and segregation, including some which contain an element of weight-based charging.
I understand that certain companies have introduced excess charges on bins over a certain weight, where heavy weights of waste were being presented by a householder. As previously pointed out, I do not have a role in setting the level of charges for waste collection. I would, however, like to see a system in operation whereby the prevention and segregation of waste from households was encouraged so that we reduce our reliance on landfills around the country, and enable people to manage their waste costs.
