Minister announces plans for ‘pay-by-use’ waste charges

Environment Minister Martin Cullen has announced plans to introduce a nationwide system of "pay-by-use" waste charges.

Mr Cullen said today that, from next January 1, all local authorities would be required to offer a waste collection service with charges based on weight or volume.

The minister said the move was designed to encourage people to reduce, reuse and recycle.

"Pay-by-use means the householder will have the power to influence the extent of their total waste charges," he said.

Mr Cullen said he was proposing two methods of implementing the plan - a weight-based charge or a charge for every bag/wheelie bin left out for collection.