A Co Down councillor has hit out at a Sinn Fein backed vote for a new “bin tax” on the district.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s environment committee this week approved a new price list for its bins collection service.
Whilst the cost of household replacement bins remains the same, an attempt to keep commercial costs at the “status quo” was thwarted by a Sinn Fein majority vote over concerns about an impact on service quality.
Bringing forward an amendment, Rowallane SDLP councillor Terry Andrews said: “I would like to propose that we keep the status quo for bin charges until the end of the current council mandate in 2027.
“The bin prices can then be brought back to the chamber when the new mandate has been decided for a review of these costs.”
A report in chambers shows that higher costs for bin services will come into force from April at an increase of 5%, the first hike in two years.
The cost of replacement bins remains the same with a standard (240litre) residual waste bin £37 and recycling and food waste bins at £26.50 each.
In comparison, Belfast City Council’s website states that its recycling bins and boxes are free, but there is a charge for general waste bins (£25.50) and home composters (£10).
The price rises at NMDDC will be for commercial waste to household recycling centres and trade kerbside collections.
Slieve Gullion Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Larkin said: “My concern would be, if these new service charges are not brought in, it could negatively affect the bin collection services that the council provides.
“I could not support this amendment.”
A majority in chambers (7 to 6) approved the new increase with only Sinn Fein elected members supporting the rise.
An attempt by Mournes DUP councillor Henry Reilly to amend the charges for trailer vehicles into the council household recycling centres was withdrawn in order for a report to be brought back to the committee.
However, Cllr Reilly reacted to the new cost rise saying: “I’ll just say I am very disappointed that Sinn Fein have put another bin tax on us.”
