Warning as illegal waste collectors target locals

RESIDENTS living across the Southside have been warned of the penalties associated with illegal waste collections after a number of flyers were handed out to locals in Sandyford.

Cllr Emma Blain (FG) said a number of people living in Sandyford and Ballyogan had contacted her in relation to the flyers.

“Despite using very convincing leaflets, these collections are a complete scam and are illegal,” said Cllr Blain, who represents the Glencullen-Sandyford Ward.

“Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has warned that while it is a breach of waste management legislation to collect waste in the absence of a valid waste collection permit, it is also an offence to hand over control of your waste to anyone other than a permitted waste collector.” 

According to Cllr Blain, homeowners that hand over their waste to anyone other than a permitted waste collector are liable to prosecution and could be fined up to €4,000.

“We have excellent facilities at the dump at Ballyogan, including recycling, and even though there is a small fee, it’s more cost effective to bring your waste there than to run the risk of prosecution and a substantial fine,” Cllr Blain stated.

The councillor said the issue had been flagged with the gardaí and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, adding, “the problem of illegal waste collection is ongoing and not exclusive to Dún Laoghaire. The council works closely with the other local authorities in Dublin and the gardaí in trying to tackle the problem.

“These bogus collectors have often been found to be involved in criminal gangs, in the sale of counterfeit clothing and in acts of illegal dumping. If anyone calls offering waste collection services, be sure to ask to see their permit,” Cllr Blain added.

Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (ind) said she too had become aware of the “latest attempt by illegal waste collectors to collect unwanted items from unsuspecting householders” in the Sandyford Hall area.

“I have been told that leaflets have been distributed in the Sandyford Hall area,” Cllr Donnelly said. “There is no mention of a permit on their flyers and therefore it is likely that they don’t have one.

“If this is the case,” added Cllr Donnelly, “they are breaking the law. I would like to see more awareness out there in relation to illegal waste collections and dumping.

“Last year I highlighted the case of Christmas trees that were dumped outside the depot on Mount Anville Road. This happened the previous year as well. There were also cases of green waste dumping in some areas.

“In other cases, householders believe that they are handing over items for recycling and are doing so in good faith. In reality they are encouraging these bogus collectors to continue this practice elsewhere and return to their area again in the future.

“In many cases the collectors turn up at the date mentioned on the flyer and start to ‘cherry pick’ through the various items left out by the householder. They are sometimes selective in what they take if they think it has a resale value or they take pieces of scrap metal that may be valuable.

“The rest is left behind and creates a mess. Heavy rain and bad weather conditions exacerbate the problem. I am also concerned about residents who may be out all day. I feel that the non-collection of bags or the rubbish that is unceremoniously dumped outside their homes sends out a message that the house is empty. This can create a serious security problem.”

Cllr Donnelly added: “I advise anyone out there who has something they don’t want to try and sell it themselves on sites such as Donedeal.ie or Buy and Sell or give it to a charity shop. The council has recycling centres and they can always dispose of things there.

“I have spoken to council officials and they are trying to deal with the problem by alerting the public about this and have highlighted this on their social media. They will also send out enforcement officials if necessary.”

REPORT: Andrew Ralph