CHANGES IN the way customers will be charged for their waste and recycling bins saw all councillors miraculously in agreement at the recent Co. Council meeting.
Complaints came thick and fast following the news that the Southern Waste Plan would change its billing system and charge customers by weight for food, refuse and recycling bins.
Cllr. George Lawlor immediately remarked upon the recycling aspect: “Why would you weigh recycling and food waste? That’s surely a disincentive for people to recycle?” He was told that the cost for refuse bins would be higher than recycling but none of the councillors were convinced by this.
Cllr. Davy Hynes remarked that he did not believe that this wouldn’t lead to bigger bills for people. He remarked that he had an open fire and put the ash in the refuse bin but being billed by weight would drive up those costs.
Cllr. Malcolm Byrne asked when the billing would kick in and how people who had previously paid yearly could do so again. He added: “Also, how do we know that Davy won’t just put the ashes in the recycling bin?”
Following some jovial responses from the floor, he clarified that he was not suggesting the councillor would do such a thing though Cllr. Hynes did not seem too put out by the remark. Instead he suggested that such a move would result in the increase of illegal dumping.
Cllr. James Browne asked if the trucks that would be weighing bins will be subject to regulation as the customer was very much in their hands.
With all councillors in agreement against the motion, it was decided that contact would be made with the Southern Waste Plan to voice concerns on the plan.
[Full story in this week’s Echo]