'Pay by weight' would encourage recycling - poll

72% of Irish adults are in favour of the introduction of 'Pay by Weight' refuse charges according to a Milward Brown IMS survey commissioned by Repak amongst 1,200 adults in July.

Nine in 10 of those in favour reported this would encourage them to recycle more. The survey was carried out in advance of this week's Repak National Recycling Week, which starts today.

The proposed 'Pay by Weight' system means households would only pay for the collection of rubbish in their bin, rather than a flat fee no matter how much rubbish is placed in bins.

According to Repak the introduction of 'Pay by Weight' is the only way that Ireland will grow our recycling levels to that of our European partners. Repak reports that 60% of recyclable packaging is being dumped.

Pay by Weight systems are on trial in Mongahan and Cork County Council areas.

The Repak survey also revealed that the introduction of more door-to-door collections of recyclable material was the biggest factor with the potential to encourage people to recycle more, claimed by 38% of adults.

This was closely followed by the introduction of more Bring Banks and recycling centres (23%) while the third most important factor was saving money on waste charges.