Dead animals dumped in recycling bins

CITY officials in Waterford are finding dead dogs and cats, dirty nappies and other household waste in recycling bins being collected from homes in the area.

They are now spot checking waste presented for recycling and issuing €60 fines where offences are detected. The quality of material presented in green bins right across the city has deteriorated in recent months and the new initiative is aimed at getting householders to obey the rules.

Waterford boasts one of the best recycling rates anywhere in the country, with 47% of waste now diverted away from landfill. And there are hopes to increase this further.