Opposition slams rubbish collection fee plans

OPPOSITION parties have claimed Government plans for a rubbish collection fee of up to €250 a year is evidence of another form of stealth tax.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen is said to be considering charging householders around 1 per kilogram of waste as part of an incentive to encourage people to recycle more. But Fine Gael and Labour yesterday said the move, coming hot on the heels of a hike in college fees and changes to drug refund schemes, would be seen as another way to generate badly needed revenue.

Ireland is facing a waste crisis as local authorities run of out landfill space while recycling facilities are widely seen to be sorely lacking.