Consumers being made to pay for success of deposit return scheme with latest waste price hikes. Government must make clear its plans for waste management reform.

28 January 2025

Labour’s TD for Dublin Central, Marie Sherlock, has called for urgent reform of Ireland’s dysfunctional waste management system, as consumers are being made to pay for the success of the Deposit Return Scheme with outrageous price hikes. Highlighting the frustration felt by residents and businesses, Deputy Sherlock criticised the Government’s failure to include meaningful plans for waste reform in the Programme for Government.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“Over the last 30 months, we’ve seen shocking price hikes in waste collection charges by some of the largest operators. For example, Panda’s general waste collection fees have surged by approximately 48% during this time, placing an unfair burden on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.

“Adding to the problem, the EU ban on exporting plastic waste outside of OECD countries will take effect over the next two and a half years. This will further strain Ireland’s already dysfunctional waste system and could result in even more price hikes for consumers. Yet, the Government appears to have no clear plan to address this looming crisis.

“The Dublin City Task Force made it clear that we need a complete overhaul of how waste is collected. However, there is no reference to this in the Programme for Government, beyond vague commitments to sorting technology and assessing waste-to-energy infrastructure. This is simply not good enough. Households and businesses need a waste management system that works for them, not against them.

“Residents and businesses are fed up. The success of initiatives like the Deposit Return Scheme in encouraging recycling is very welcome, but this success which appears to be impacting the margins of bin collection companies shouldn’t come at the expense of ordinary people. Government must intervene to ensure that waste collection charges remain fair and transparent.

“Ireland needs a waste management system that prioritises sustainability and affordability. The Government must commit to a comprehensive reform of how waste is collected and processed, ensuring that the system is fit for purpose in the face of growing environmental and economic pressures.

“It’s time for leadership and action. Labour is calling on the Government to urgently outline its plans for waste management reform and to provide relief to households and businesses who are being unfairly penalised by the current system. The time for excuses is over – we need real change now.”

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