Anger as bin collections go fortnightly

There is considerable anger at the decision by local domestic waste companies to reduce the frequency of collections from weekly to fortnightly, according to Cllr Darren O'Rourke.

'I have been contacted by a number of residents across the south Meath area who are angry that waste companies are effectively, unilaterally and without consultation, reducing their service by half but with no cost saving for customers,' he said.

According to the Sinn Féin councillor, the companies indicate that this measure is part of the move to a 'pay-by-weight' instead of a 'pay-by-lift' basis later in the year.

For many families, the issue is not one of weight but one of capacity he said.

'A number of residents have contacted me concerned that the possibility of missing a lift coupled with normal household waste levels - particularly with a number of small children - may leave bins overflowing,' he said.

'Waste collection in Meath was privatised some years ago with the promise of improved service,' added Cllr O'Rourke. 'The decision to move to a fortnightly collection is unwelcome for many. It is a step backwards. I have contacted the companies in question and await their responses.'