Bin waiver scheme shot down by Cork County Council

Calls for a ‘bin waiver’ for pensioners and those living alone have been refused by Cork County Council, in a response criticised by local councillor, Deirdre O’Brien.

The council said that, as the matter is dealt with by private contractors, they have ‘no obligation or authority’ to subsidise the collection of waste from any person. Furthermore, to do so would contravene the Waste Management Act i.e. the principle that the ‘polluter pays’.

However, other local authorities such as Limerick City and County Council do operate a bin waiver scheme. The local authority in Waterford used to operate a scheme, but this ended in 2014. An Ombudsman’s report in 2008 determined that local authorities were free to tailor services according to the needs and demands of the population they serve and it was not a matter for central government.

Cllr O’Brien expressed disappointment at the ‘straight dismissal’ of her motion at last week’s meeting of Cork County Council, saying she had put it forward as pensioners are facing a bill of about €300 a year. Furthermore, when they live alone and are not sharing bills, it does not represent value for money and these people have waste that ‘barely covers the base of the waste bin’.

"There are people who struggle to pay for the waste collection and might not have family near them that they could share a bin with. A one-size does not fit all here. We bring in all kinds of incentives for schools and public areas, but what about looking after our own low-income and more vulnerable. The outshoot from this could be seen as a win for ridding us of fly tipping in public bins or in our countryside".