Privatised refuse collection
The privatisation of refuse collection is a complete failure. The CPI has called for all domestic refuse collection, including recyclable materials, to be brought back under public control and the responsibility of local authorities.
It has been reported by Panda, one of the largest waste companies, that they will begin charging for lifting domestic green (recyclable) bins from 19 April. This decision will be quickly followed by the other waste-collection companies, which will in turn lead to additional increases in charges as well as unofficial dumping.
The privatisation of refuse collection has been a complete disaster for the public and has only resulted in poor services for people, rising costs, and a deterioration in the working conditions of those employed by private refuse companies. There is a complete lack of transparency from these companies regarding their charges. And no effort has been made to control corporate waste, or excessive and wasteful packaging.
Charges have grown to become a very significant burden on working families around the country. The regulator, the Government and the state have all failed to protect the people’s interests or the environment.
Their demand for greater profits is the primary motivation of these waste companies, not the common good, or the environment.
