Q) What is changing about my waste collection?
A) New regulations, signed by former Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly in January, mean households must be charged for their waste using a pay-by-weight system. And there must be a charge for each bin, including for recyclable, green bin waste.
Q) Why are the changes being introduced?
A) According to the Department of the Environment, research shows that weight-based charges are "the single most effective system in terms of waste prevention, waste recycling and diversion of waste from landfill".
The Department maintains that if the 80 per cent of households on pay per lift or tags switched to pay-by-weight, a further 440,000 tonnes of domestic waste could be diverted from landfill.
Q) When are the new charges being introduced?
A) July 1st
Q) What will I be charged?
A) Waste companies have yet to announce their charges under the new regime, so it is not possible to know at present, but limits have been set. Collectors must charge a minimum of 11 cent per kilogramme for grey-bin general waste, 2c per kilogramme for recyclable green-bin waste and 6 cent per kilogramme for brown-bin garden and food waste. There is a maximum charge of 30 cent per kilogramme. Each collector can also impose a service or standing charge, which has not been stipulated by the regulations. *
Q) Is there a chance I will save money?
A) According to the Department of the Environment, 87 per cent of households "are likely to see a reduction in their costs". Over 4 per cent "may see an increase" and almost 9 per cent will pay the same. Waste companies are saying most householders' bills will remain the same, but those with heavy grey bins will pay more.
Q) Will I save if I home compost?
A) Waste collectors are no longer allowed to give you a reduction on your service or standing charge if you do not use a brown bin. But you will save a minimum of 2 cent per kilogramme if you home compost your food or garden waste.
Q) What if I put household waste in my green bin?
A) Householders who do not segregate their food waste from general waste can be fined up to €4,000 in the District Court or face up to three months imprisonment. Waste collectors can also penalise you, for example, by refusing to empty the contaminated bin.
Q) I use black sacks for my waste, what will happen to my collection?
A) The use of bags for household waste is being prohibited in all but very limited areas, designated by local authorities. Householders using black bags at present, should check with their local authority or waste collector.
*This story was amended on May 17th 2016 to correct an error
