Waste-disposal study to take place

Waterford City Council will soon visit households who have not paid waste-collection charges to determine how they are disposing of their waste.

In the first study of its kind in the State, the local authority will survey households to find out how they dispose of "unaccounted-for waste".

Unaccounted-for waste is refuse that is not collected at the kerbside. Almost one-quarter of all waste generated in the Republic remains uncollected.

The pilot survey is part of an effort to tackle the amount of waste that is disposed of illegally across the State, according to the council. It will focus on people who do not have access to refuse collection services, as well as those who choose not to make use of a service that is provided.

The council will call to households who have not paid the 2007 fixed bin collection charge. Those found to be disposing of their waste in an unlawful manner will be served a section 18 notice under the Waste Management Acts 1995-2003.

This requires the household to provide details of their method of waste disposal and can be used in court to secure a prosecution.