Residents warned of unlicensed waste collectors dumping illegally
By Mary Dennehy
A FIELD in Saggart has been turned into an illegal dump by unlicensed waste collectors, who are charging households reduced rates to remove rubbish and then ditching it on green spaces, back roads, rural walkways and fields.
A privately-owned field in Saggart is believed to be the latest target of these serial dumpers, who are presenting themselves to customers as reputable waste collectors, but not disposing of the rubbish responsibly.
Tallaght independent councillor Dermot Richardson was contacted by residents living close to the field.
He told The Echo: “The level of dumping in this one field is unbelievable, and the fact that they are trying to burn the rubbish as well is destroying the local landscape and causing major problems for neighbouring homes.
“This field is literally turning into an illegal dump and, even though the land is private, South Dublin County Council has to get involved – and its litter wardens.”
Cllr Richardson added: “I spoke with the owner of the land and he said that he caught a person dumping here last week and has registration details, which were reported to the council and the gardaí.
“Members of the public are key to stopping this type of dumping by not paying anybody who cannot produce a waste collection permit and also recording the details and registration plates of anybody they witness dumping illegally.”
The Echo understands that the owner of thefield and South Dublin County Council will work together to clear the land and secure the field from vehicles.
Mary Maguire from the council’s environment department confirmed that they are aware of the illegal dumping in Saggart and are currently investigating.
Ms Maguire stressed that there are obligations on householders under the South Dublin County Council Household Waste Bye-Laws 2012 to ensure that they are disposing of their waste in an authorised manner.
She advised concerned residents to ask a contractor for his waste collection permit and to ensure that the proposed destination for their rubbish is an approved waste treatment facility or disposal facility.
She said: “Any evidence to the contrary is liable to result in prosecution of that householder, the “contractor” and the owner of the destination site.
“It is best practice to keep a note of the name of the waste collector, telephone number and vehicle registration number so you can pass this on to the enforcing authorities if necessary.”
Householders can ask to see a copy of any contractor’s Waste Collection Permit.
The cover of the permit will have the name, the address and the waste collection permit number of the collector and, if they are unsure, residents can check with the council on 4149000, info@sdublincoco.ie or www.fixyourstreet.ie
