Green bin charges will hit recycling
SINN Féin TD for Louth and East Meath, Imelda Munster, has criticised the decision to introduce charges for green bins, saying it will lead to less recycling and an increase in illegal dumping.
Deputy Munster said: “In Louth we have recently seen the decision taken by the CEO of Louth County Council to remove the plastic bottle bank facilities throughout the county despite the fact that they had become hugely popular and successful methods of recycling and awareness.”
“Within days of this happening the entrance charge at the recycling centre was increased. And now we have plans by waste collectors to introduce a new charge on green bin collection on top of existing waste collection charges.”
“We have already witnessed an increase in illegal dumping both in rural and urban areas, and in some cases on public streets in the middle of housing estates, and this new charge is only going to compound this problem even further.”
“It is a lazy policy which will lead to more illegal dumping and less recycling. The government planned this move two years ago but kicked it down the road when there was opposition to the plan. Despite this fact, charges are now to be introduced, with China’s decision to shut its doors to our recycling waste being used as an excuse.”
“People cannot afford another household charge. This is another charge on families which serves no purpose as it will not lead to an increase in recycling.”
“We need to address supermarket and packaging waste and ensure that materials that can be recycled by businesses and households are used in packaging, rather than materials such as plastic wrapping that is now not recognised as recyclable waste for the purpose of green bin collection.”
“Industry has a role to play here. The government can’t solve these problems by slapping yet another charge on hard-pressed families.