Council considering new policy to deal with householders from Republic using city's free-of-charge recycling sites

Derry City and Strabane District Council is considering introducing a “new policy” to deal with members of the public from the Republic using its recycling centres.

It comes after increased complaints from disgruntled Derry householders over the number of people from across the border, mostly Donegal, using the council’s free-of-charge facilities.

There are currently six recycling centres in Donegal located at Carndonagh, Letterkenny, Milford, Dungloe, Stranorlar and Laghey, all of which have “free” and “charged” recycling areas.

Waste items such as glass, cans, textiles, batteries and electrical goods are all accepted free of charge.

There is a range of charges from €1 to €8 for recycling paper, hard plastic, cardboard, cartons and waste oils. Also, at present, householders in the Republic pay a flat-fee or pay per collection basis to have their wheelie bins emptied with one contractor offering a collection service from €25 a month.

However, this is to change in July next with the introduction of a pay-by-weight system.

This, and the opening of a new £1.5 million recycling centre at Pennyburn Industrial Centre in Derry at the end of this month, is expected to see an increase in the number of householders crossing the border to use the city’s recycling facilities.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said it was aware of the issues relating to cross-border waste and was working with organisations on both sides of the border in terms of resolving the matter.

The spokesperson added: “The Council is aware that there are many instances where those using the amenity sites have legitimate reasons to do so and is keen that these be included in any new policy moving forward.”