COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 08, 2007

QUESTION 5

QUESTION: Councillor D. Keating

To ask the Manager if it is envisaged to increase the cost of the bin tag for the collection of the black bin in 2007? 

REPLY

The Waste Management Plan for the Dublin Region includes an objective to reach full cost recovery by 2010.

The current price of €8 per bin lift does not cover the current cost of the service in South Dublin County Council.

As the service expands to include a third bin, (the “brown bin”) there will be implications for the collection and treatment costs.  The Council will be working with staff to improve productivity and efficiencies in terms of collection.  In relation to treatment of brown bin waste, costs will arise from the operation of a Biowaste Facility (where the brown bin waste will become high quality compost).  Overall, these matters will require a review of the Cha rge, to reflect the expansion of the service.

Waste Management in the 21st century is reaching ever higher environmental standards in compliance with National Waste Strategy (eg Biodegradable Waste Strategy).  These standards are likely to result in higher overall costs.  While Pay Per Use charges have encouraged a shift from disposal to recycling, the reality is that recycling is not cost neutral.