Donegal County Council needs to lower the cost of using its recycling centres in order to reduce illegal dumping.
The call was made by Cllr Patrick McGowan at yesterday’s meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar MD.
“Illegal dumping is growing and I am concerned about that,” he said.
“I feel if we reduced the cost of using our recycling centres, this would discourage dumping.”
Cllr McGowan also said the council should roll out an initiative for the collection of used mattresses, similar to a pilot project in Galway, and also allow furniture outlets to take old beds to recycling centres.
Mr Paul Gallagher, of the council’s Environment Section, said they negotiated a new contract with the operator of the centres last year.
“As a result, we are now getting better value for money in terms of opening hours and what they accept. We are constantly in contact with the recycling site operators,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Illegal dumping is an ongoing issue, but we have a very active Litter Unit and great support from the community. We are doing everything within our powers, but disappointing to see the levels of dumping.”
