COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 11, 2016

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor M. Ward

“That this Council writes to the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources asking him to scrap the new pay per weight bin charges in light of the increased charges being forced onto customers”

REPORT:

Minister Coveney recently announced (on 21st June 2016) the conclusion of an agreement with the Waste Industry with regard to the introduction of Pay-by-Weight charging for waste collection, and development of a plan to resolve the on-going issues around bin charging and the introduction of pay by weight.

The Minister also outlined proposals for an intensive public awareness, information and promotion campaign to support customers in understanding the new system, how they can change their waste management behaviour and  better manage their waste costs under the pay-by-weight system.

Appropriate amendments to the waste legislation will be made to provide for comparative billing information for customers and opt-in arrangements.

The operation of the price freeze by the industry will be closely monitored by Government and, in the event of evidence of it not being honoured, the Minister will ensure that primary legislation is brought forward to legislate to enforce the freeze.

It is envisaged that following a year long Pay By Weight Price Freeze, and phased introduction of Pay-by-Weight, that households will have time to adapt to the new system, and more effectively manage their waste as they will over time be able to see, through a dual billing process, details in their bills about the amount of waste they are disposing of, their costs under the continuation of their current price plan and details of the comparative pay-by-weight charge. 

If the Motion is passed a letter will issue to the appropriate Minister, and when a reply is received it will be issued to the Members.