The viability of the waste collection service operated by Waterford County Council faced serious challenges in 2011 due to increasing private competition, additional landfill levies and VAT, the Budget Meeting of the Co. Council was told in Dungarvan, last week.

A promotional campaign is to be launched to retain the maximum number of customers in 2011 and prices will be reduced for the All Star Service, the Choice Service and the ‘Pay As You Go’ Service.

County Manager Ray O’Dwyer said applicants qualifying for the waiver scheme would qualify for a reduction of €80 in respect of the ‘Choice’ waste collection package. If the Council could not achieve savings or income to bring costs in line with payments made from customers, all other options would need to be considered early in 2011.