Tallaght Community Coucil Press Release regarding Litter Management in the SDCC area

[Tara De buitlear]

Tallaght Community Council (TCC) Expresses Requests Clarity on the Provision of Residential Waste Services and Concern at the Ownership Issue of Bins on Competition

TCC has expressed concern the impact of transition of residential waste services to Greyhound in the SDCC area on ordinary householders.

Costs

TCC believe the changes to the cost structures could be confusing for householders as different suppliers now offer different charging structures. Some have packaged prices, while other have a cost per lift, an annual service charge or a combination of both. TCC urge householders comparing the supplier's prices to bear in mind that a standard black bin is 240 litres as some suppliers base their costs on a 120 litre bin.

The lack of clarity over the future pricing for bin services and the waiver system could spell big trouble for litter management and illegal dumping in Tallaght. With a disappointing recent record in the IBAL litter league, TCC is deeply concerned about the impact this could have on illegal dumping,which has a direct impact on the quality of life for residents and the development of business in the area. TCC have called for immediate clarity from SDCC & Greyhound on this issue and what, if any, contingency is in place if the waiver system is not continued.

The Wrangle over Bin Ownership - Stiffling Real Competition ?

TCC are calling for clarity on who owns householder's bins from SDCC and the Department of the Environment. TCC understand that Greyhound are claiming that SDCC transferred ownership of the bins they issued to householders to Greyhound as part of the tender for the contract. Some residents paid for their black bins whenthey were introduced, therefore it is hard to see how Greyhound could claim ownership in these instances. SDCC also issued the green and brown bins to householders and since then householders have been responsible for maintenance and replacement costs of these bins. This could be seen as implied ownership. TCC have learned that the wrangle over who owns your black bin may have created a "stand off " among the other waste providers who do not want to be drawn into a legal battle with Greyhound. Feedback from householders to TCC indicates that other suppliers who cover the SDCC routes have stopped taking on new customers until this legal question has been resolved. TCC is concerned of the impact this will have on householder choice.

"It is important for every household to be able to benefit from healthy competition for this essential service. If the service providers effectively withdraw from the market for new customers, it means households don't have a choice over their waste provider. If there is only one choice for new customers, that is a monopoly." says Jim Lawlor, chairman of TCC. " TCC calls for immediate clarity over these two issues to enable householders plan how they will manage their waste in a fair and open market. "

-ends-

For information contact

Chair - Jim Lawlor - 0868585942

PRO - Tara de Buitléar 0879067044