New pay-by-weight waste charges on the way from July 1

Next month, a Pay-By-Weight waste-management scheme will come into effect for all households in Ireland. While there are prescribed minimum weight charges in respect of each waste type, it is the intention of Minister Simon Coveney to remove the requirement for a minimum charge for recycling waste.

However, amid growing criticism about proposed increasing in standing charges for bin collection, Minister Coveney is today meeting private waste operators.

He has said he will make a final decision on what action he will take after his discussions.

The Opposition has accused the Government of failing to act on the matter and the issue is due to be debated in the Dáil and Seanad next week.

The proposed minimum charge rates are: 

Residual household waste (black or grey bin): 11c per kg
Food waste (brown bin): 6c per kg

From July 1, general waste will cost more than recycling or organic waste and the Pay-By-Weight scheme is considered, by the minister, to be the best method to encourage better segregation of household waste as well as maximising waste reduction.
A public awareness campaign is to be rolled out and will provide householders with information on the new charging arrangements and how they can best manage their waste but prices will vary depending on the collector and area.
Pay-By-Weight is consistent with EU and National Waste Policy and also with the key targets of the three Regional Waste Plans. According to these targets, waste is considered a resource which can be re-circulated by maintaining, reusing, refurbishing and recycling materials and products.
Speaking on behalf of the three Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, Kevin Swift, Regional Waste Co-ordinator for Connacht-Ulster, said: “The Pay-by-Weight system is being introduced to promote waste prevention, greater segregation of waste and to become part of the solution to global resource problems.

Targets
“The Regional Waste Plans have set targets to reduce waste generation in households by one per cent per annum over the next five years and to increase current recycling rates from 40% to 50% by 2020. Irish households have played a leading role in placing Ireland among the better performers in Europe in respect of recycling rates and we are confident that these targets can be achieved.”
The campaign is being supported by the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA), who represent the majority of waste collectors in the country.
Caroline Walsh, chair of the IWMA said: “The new charging structure has been introduced by Government to support more sustainable recycling practices across our economy. We are confident that the introduction of Pay by Weight will help Ireland meet EU targets for the recycling and prevention of waste. This new way of calculating waste charges will encourage all of us to be more aware of the waste we are generating in our homes and how we are disposing of it. By actively considering what we are buying and by segregating our waste, as householders we can all better control our waste collection bills. The message is simple, If it’s in the right bin you’re on the right track”.
Chef Catherine Fulvio was on hand at the launch to demonstrate how to minimise food waste by using up leftovers. “Food waste is a real problem and can cost Irish households up to €700 every year,” she said. “The good news is that with a few simple changes, you can significantly reduce the amount of food discarded in your home. People can easily reduce their waste and save money by getting into the habit of meal planning, being clever with leftover food and sticking to a strict shopping list when buying groceries.”