Retailer faces probe over dumped fridges
Hundreds of fridges were discovered in Clondalkin by South Dublin County Council waste enforcement officers.
An investigation has been launched by the council after nearly 700 appliances were discovered at Travellers’ sites at Lynch’s Lane and Nangor Road in the west Dublin district. The Travellers are believed to have been paid €5 for each fridge.
Management at Power City did not return calls yesterday. However, one senior executive denied to RTÉ News that his company was involved in the disposal of fridges.
Fridges contain CFC gases and are subject to tough disposal rules. Most fridges collected here are exported to Liverpool for disposal or recycling.
South Dublin County Council confirmed an investigation has been launched and that one particular company is being probed.
Under the Waste Management Act, a company licensed to collect hazardous material is liable for prosecution if it is subsequently found to have been dumped illegally.
The council will try to recover the cost of disposing of the fridges from the company found liable for carrying out the illegal dumping. It could be as much as €50,000.
A senior engineer said the council hopes to complete the investigation within a month. The council has written to Power City asking for an explanation and requesting copies of collection permits, transfer and shipping documents.
Householders are prepared to pay up to €80 to companies to collect and dispose of fridges. However, there is a scheme whereby fridges are collected from civic amenity sites free of charge by a company which then ships them to Liverpool.
