COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, February 15, 2010

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor S. Crowe

This Committee, concerned at the drop in young people, residents, and other groups using the can recycling facility based in Killinardan Community Centre, and the financial cost for the rent of such machines and the reduction of any substantial reward for users, agrees to call on the Manager to investigate new ways of encouraging the active use of this and other similar type schemes that are in the long term  interest of the wider community and those they are based in, and agrees to write to the Minister for Environment expressing our concern at potential collapse of this type of reduction initiative and calls for more imaginative schemes to be introduced and funded in the near future.

REPORT:

The Council continuously looks for new ways to innovate regarding recycling schemes to this end the Council has funded Reverse Vending Machines in the County for a number of years. The cost of a reverse vendor for a year includes, rental of machine, collection of all materials from the machine, preventative maintenance on the machine every 5 weeks, refuse bags and coupon rolls, 24 Hour call outs in relation to any breakdowns required, Incentive scheme, sponsorship of a number of local events in relation to the machine.

The operation of the scheme is dependent on the company's ability to dispose of materials on the recyclables market. As a result a number of changes have been necessary due to the drop in prices for recyclables over last 2 years. The company involved is in a transitional phase at the moment. This phase includes a review of the incentive scheme.

At an LA21 forum group meeting on 15th January it was decided that members of the committee would approach a number of businesses in the County to discuss the reverse vending machine and the positive impact the machine could have on their business and local community. A number of shopping centres and hotels in the county are being approached with information relating to the Reverse Vending product. Some expressions of interest have been received and these will be pursued.

 All members of the committee are to report on their progress at the next LA21 meeting 26th March.