Cullen seeks rewards system for less waste

The Minister for the Environment has proposed the introduction of refuse collection systems where people are rewarded for producing less waste.

Mr Cullen has written to all local authorities and will enter discussions with private waste operators to help implement of the plan over the next two years. The local authorities are to report to the Minister by October 13th, outlining plans for the roll out of the new systems.

I want a system that charges people on the quantity of waste they produce The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen.

Options for the new approach include paying per weight of refuse, a tag system or a pay per bag option. Some of these systems are already employed in some counties around the State.

"I want a system that charges people on the quantity of waste they produce. Where there is no incentive to reduce waste, it will only mean more waste," Mr Cullen said in a statement.

"The incentive the Government offers rewards people financially. Put simply, if you produce less, you will pay less.

"Collectors, be they local authorities or private sector must offer households the choice of a tag, pay per bag or weight based system. Such systems are in operation in some counties but they must be the norm nationwide.

Nine local authorities operate a tag system and a pay-per-weight system is in operation in Co Monaghan. Cork County Council is piloting such a system at the moment.