PDF-973 kb - Mayo County Council

Waste ManagementThe review of the Current Connaught Waste Plan commenced in June 2004. A publicconsultation took place together with a review of progress, policies, objectives andtargets. This process has now concluded and a further public consultation period willtake place from November to mid February 2006 with a view to making and adoptionof a replacement Waste Management Plan for the Connaught Region.Waste PermittingMayo County Council is the permitting local authority for the issuing of wastecollection permits to all waste collectors in the Connaught Region. Waste collectionpermits ensure that collection is conducted within the region safely and noenvironmental pollution results from the collectors activities. The collectors arevisited regularly and a register of all collection permit holders is maintained andupdated. To date, 315 collection permits have been issued and 399 applications havebeen received. Details of Waste Permits, etc are available onwww.connaughtwaste.ie. The electronic paperless Administration System for theConnaught Region which received an Excellence in this Public Service Awardcontinues to evolve.In addition to waste collection permits anybody disposing or recovering waste musthold a waste permit. These permits act to ensure that all operations are undertakencorrectly and no environmental pollution results from all activities. The activities ofthe waste permit holders are monitored and all records are maintained to certifycompliance with environmental legislation. For the year 2005 there have been 24waste permits issued which brings the total waste permits issued to 83. The permitswhich have been issued are currently being reviewed. This will lead to theimplementation of use related charging and the collection of segregated waste forhouseholders.Refuse CollectionWaste collection at present has moved onto a higher level than heretofore. Theemphasis is now on diversion of waste from landfill, particularly organic waste andseparate collection of dry recyclables. The continued involvement of the Council inwaste collection throughout County Mayo would involve heavy capital expenditureon waste infrastructure. This investment, together with the current loss makingcollection service, makes it the preferred option for the Council in 2006 to opt out ofthe collection process. This has been communicated to the relevant staffrepresentatives and negotiations are underway in the Labour Relations Commission.The Council will endeavour to ensure that the service to the existing customers atexisting prices will continue for 2006. The Council will keep the existing customersup to date with the relevant proposals.45