Waste firm Panda is to begin operating its collection services in the Dublin City area in the coming weeks.
This follows last month’s failed bid by Dublin City Council to obtain a High Court injunction to stop Panda operating in the council's administrative area.
In a statement today, the Co Meath-based company said it is “currently rolling out its marketing in the area”.
Panda, which offers businesses and households a black and a green bin collection service, is now the sole private company operating in all four Dublin local authority areas.
The company, which employs more than 250 staff, said it would undercut Dublin City Council’s current €91 annual administration charge by offering customers an annual charge of €72.80.
It also said new customers that switch to Panda will not incur any annual service charge for the remainder of 2008, and that prices would be frozen until at least 2010.
Rival waste management firm Greenstar is reported to be in advanced negotiations to buy either all or part of Panda Waste.
Greenstar, which is owned by NTR, the energy and utilities group, is conducting due diligence on Panda.
A deal would cement Greenstar's position as Ireland's biggest waste management group.
It is estimated that Panda could fetch about €65 million if a deal is concluded to sell the whole business to Greenstar.