Waste recycling to be free due to tech shortfall

Householders will still be able to dispose of their recycling waste free of charge at local authority sites when the new pay- by-weight charges come into effect on July 1 because councils do not have the technology to weigh it.

Private waste collectors are equipped to start charging by the kilo, although the ministerial order on paying for recyclables still has not been signed off. However, local authorities will not be able to get weighing equipment installed by the deadline and it could take at least six months for them to do so.

Fears have been expressed that long queues will form at scores of civic amenity sites around the country as householders take the opportunity to get rid of recyclable waste for nothing.