Bungled planning over waste plastic collection levy

THERE is a contractual arrangement for the delivery of a service when you purchase farm plastic and pay a levy to fund its subsequent collection and recycling.

Farmers who can prove they paid the levy are entitled to demand delivery of the service, or to a refund of the levy if the plastic is not collected and recycled — which is the case for many, left with huge stockpiles of waste plastic on their farms, waiting for collection.

But, instead of recompense for breach of contract, they are now being asked to pay at least €50 to have up to half a tonne of waste plastic collected.