The waste collection market is serviced by competing private companies, where prices charged are matters between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable legislation, including contract, consumer and competition legislation. The Minister has no power to set prices in a private competitive market.
The Department has engaged with relevant public bodies and representative organisations with respect to the waste disposal costs for incontinence wear.
The National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) has conducted a study on incentivised charging structures in the waste collection market. This study also considers mechanisms for supports in relation to households disposing of medical incontinence products based on international practice. Recommendations from the study will be considered together with the recently completed study to explore the feasibility of transitioning our national waste collection from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system.
The recommendations from both studies including any future policy decisions in relation to waste collection and regulatory arrangements will help to inform the next iteration of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. Any future decisions will be taken in line with the relevant framework and following appropriate consultation and consideration of the studies findings.
