Refuse collections in Kerry ceased yesterday when about 30 local people blocked entry to the county's landfill site. The Muingnaminnane site is Ireland's first landfill to be licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The protesters have maintained a round-the-clock protest since early on Saturday. Rubbish has now piled up at the county's four transfer stations, and refuse lorries are also full.
Several county council lorries remain locked into the landfill site by the protesters, while all refuse trucks have been turned back. Commercial operators are also affected.
The residents are opposed to a request by Clare County Council to use the Kerry landfill site for 18 months, between the closure of Doora and the opening of Inagh. There are proposals to limit the amount of rubbish to around 15 tonnes over the 18-month period.
Mr Oliver Ring, environment manager with Kerry County Council, said the protesters' action was "totally irresponsible" in the light of the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Kerry County Council is to vote on the issue at its March meeting, when recommendations by an environmental committee will be put to the council.
Kerry County Council is to seek a High Court injunction against the protesters today and promises to resolve the situation as soon as possible. There will be no refuse collection today.