27th November 2001

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS FOR ‘PAY BY WEIGHT’ WASTE CHARGES

The Green Party has called for ‘pay by weight’ waste charges within Dún Laoghaire Rathdown. They have urged Dún Laoghaire Manager Derek Brady to introduce a charge of 200 Euros as an annual charge for the larger wheelie bin, and 150 Euros for the smaller wheelie bin instead of the current flat rate of £150 (190 Euros).

“We must provide a financial incentive for householders to reduce the amount of waste that they produce” stated Councillor Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party. He was speaking after the Green Party successfully negotiated a commitment by Dublin Corporation for a reduced annual charge for householders who opt for a smaller wheelie bin.  He stated that other Local Authorities should follow the lead shown by Dublin City.

“We have also secured a commitment from the City Manager to refund the waste charge completely for householders who are not offered the option of recycling using a green wheelie-bin,” explained Cuffe. “We feel that this is a sensible and fair option. This means that by the end of 2002 every household will be guaranteed a full refund of their waste charge, if they haven’t been given the option of having a segregated domestic waste collection service.  Those households which do not have the space for the grey or green bin will be offered a separate collection for dry recyclables either through the use of a communal Green Euro bin or else the collection of such material in special clear plastic bags. We want to see Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council follow the example set by Dublin Corporation.

“Waste management is a complicated issue” stated Cuffe, “but we have found that most people want to recycle if they are given the chance. That’s why we are calling on the County Manager to reduce the charge for the smaller bin. Currently the charge is £150 regardless of whether you take the large or smaller bin, and this is not fair.”

ENDS

Information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe       087 265 2075 or 618 3082