stock-vector-waste-bin-set-vector-illustration-347923313WATERFORD City & County Council is to write to Minister Simon Coveney asking him to defer the introduction of the controversial pay-by-weight waste collection scheme.
At the council’s May plenary meeting, councillors voted in favour of asking the newly appointed Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to defer the introduction of the scheme until January 1st 2017.
Cllr Davy Daniels (Ind) raised the issue, noting that the scheme was due to come into effect from July 1st.
He expressed concerns over the scheme, saying there was “no information or transparency” and proposed that the council write to Minister Coveney asking him to defer the introduction of the scheme indefinitely.
This was seconded by Cllr Cha O’Neill (Ind).
Director of Services Fergus Galvin said the introduction of the charge was a matter for each of the individual waste collectors.
He explained that “variable charges” are used by all of the six suppliers currently operating across the county.
Cllr Daniels asked if this meant the waste collectors could come up with whatever charge they like.
“If you’re in a supermarket, you are given a slip to say exactly what you paid for,” said Cllr Daniels.
Mr Galvin explained that there would be an obligation on waste collection companies to issue a statement to the household showing the amount of waste which was collected.
Cllr Jim Griffin (SF) outlined his own concerns surrounding the pay-by-weight scheme and its implementation.
He said he had carried out his own survey which highlighted the different weights of some wheelie bins.
He explained that there was a difference of 3.5kg to 4kg in some cases due to factors such as different handles and bases.
Cllr Griffin noted Mr Galvin’s comment that the introduction of the charge was a matter for each individual supplier.
However, he said there was an onus on the council to explain to people how the scheme would be implemented.
He said the pay-by-weight scheme was a big issue and expressed concerns for elderly people and those who may not be able to afford the charges.
In response to Cllr Griffin’s concerns, Mr Galvin said the council would ensure that bins were weighed properly in order to ensure people are charged the correct amount.
Cllr M J O’Ryan (FF) then proposed to defer the pay-by-weight scheme until January 1st.
Mayor of Waterford City & County Council Cllr John Cummins (FG) said he was confused about what councillors actually wanted.
He noted Cllr Daniels had proposed to ask the Minister to defer the introduction of the scheme “indefinitely” while Cllr O’Ryan had proposed to defer the introduction of the scheme until January 1st 2017.
A vote took place, with the majority of councillors voting in favour of asking Minister Coveney to defer the introduction of the scheme until January 1st.