Enforcement action has been initiated against several waste collection companies who have failed to provide brown bins for compost to households in Westmeath.
The council says that the majority of waste collectors are either “making no effort, or unsatisfactory progress” regarding provision of the brown bins.
Since July 1 this year, all waste collection companies operating within the town boundaries of Athlone and Mullingar are obliged to provide a brown bin service to all homes.
However, only a small number of household waste collectors are in the process of providing a brown bin collection service in the towns, as required under the Waste Collection Bye-Laws.
Cllr Ken Glynn raised the issue last week, asking Westmeath County Council to advise whether all local refuse collectors are now providing a brown bin collection service.
A spokesperson for the council confirmed that enforcement action has been initiated in cases where waste collection companies have failed to do so, with the service of formal notices under the Waste Management Act.
If necessary the council will pursue the issue to prosecution, and they say any such prosecution will be taken into consideration when applications for renewal of waste collection permits are being assessed.
The purpose of the brown ‘composting’ bins is to allow for the separation of organic kitchen and garden waste, including leaves, weeds, fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. They should be collected every two weeks.
