Minister warns waste firms to clean up their act

Bin collection companies whose service is rubbish will automatically have their permits to operate reviewed under new regulatory powers next year.

The warning comes from Environment Minister Alan Kelly in a strongly worded criticism of the household waste industry, the level of service it provides to customers, and its compliance with environmental standards.

Mr Kelly warned the industry it was in the “last chance saloon” in terms of cleaning up its act. If it didn’t comply with the new regulatory regime, he said he would withdraw free market privileges and impose a state tendering system instead.