Council warns of prosecutions over bin collection

IT IS being dubbed the battle of the bins, with Waterford County Council locking horns with private companies to win the hearts, minds and custom of householders countywide for the privilege of collecting their refuse.

The decision of county manager Ray O’Dwyer to introduce a flat charge of €150 for refuse collection from households, in addition to existing bin collection charges, has provoked a public backlash.

It has also been seen by private refuse collection companies as opening up a window of opportunity for them to move in on what had hitherto been exclusive council terrain.

But the local authority yesterday warned households that they might well face prosecution if they switch over to a company that is not collecting the waste strictly in accordance with the conditions of the Regional Waste Plan.

In a statement the council expressed concern about some recent advertising by private refuse collection companies in the wake of the introduction of the new €150 flat charge.

“Various offers from these companies imply that waste from the home can be presented for collection in two forms, recyclables and other waste, but this is wrong,” it said.

“These offers make no reference to organic or bio waste which under by-laws in Co Waterford must be presented separately for collection.”

A council spokesman said it is offering customers three separate collections of recyclables, organic, and residual waste in accordance with the Regional Waste Plan.

“Collectors who do not provide a three-bin collection are not providing a full service and more worryingly are not telling their customers that they are leaving them open for prosecution.

“The collectors, if they engage in such collections, will be liable to prosecution for failing to comply with the by-laws operating in Co Waterford and with the conditions of their own waste collection permits.”