Cullen calls for pay-by-weight charges

The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, has written to all local authorities asking them to introduce a system of bin charges which reward householders who produce less waste.

Announcing his initiative yesterday the Minister said he wanted to hear proposals from the local authorities by October 13th next and is planning to "engage" with private waste operators to encourage them to introduce similar systems over the coming two years.

Mr Cullen who made his remarks in the midst of the current anti-bin charges protest said he wanted a system with charges based on the quantity of waste households produce.

The application of the "polluter pays" principle would, he said be fairer and reward people financially for producing less waste.

Pay-by-weight and pay-by-volume systems are currently in place or in gestation in a number of local authorities including those in Dublin.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has recently paid €360,000 for on-board weighing machines for its lorries.

In Dublin, the city council is planning to introduce a new, smaller wheelie bin option, of 80 litres capacity, bringing to four the range of available bin sizes.

According to the assistant city manager, Mr Matt Twomey, the variety of bin sizes and bags already offers the customer the chance to reduce costs based on volume.

The system has, he said, struck a balance between charges which are necessary to cover the cost of recycling infrastructure, and the customers desire to pay as little as possible.

Across the State many local authorities and private operators use "tag" or "bag" systems which allow customers to leave out a tagged bin or refuse sack only when required.

"Such systems are in operation in some counties but they must become the norm nationwide" the Minister insisted.

Mr Cullen maintained that where such systems are operational, "waste volumes are down, recycling is up and people are paying less. It is a win-win for the environment and for households," said the Minister who instanced nine councils which offer tag systems - Cavan, Fingal, Waterford city, Waterford County, Westmeath, Athlone, Dungarvan, Mallow and Fermoy.