Department of Infrastructure scraps rising charge

Ratepayers and local authorities look set to benefit from changes to charging arrangements at the Energy from Waste plant.

The Waste Management Working Group - formed in August this year as a link between several local authorities and the Department of Infrastructure - is chaired by Minister Phil Gawne.

The rising cost of waste disposal has come under fire in recent years - its current rate of £79.50 per tonne could rise to over £160/tonne by 2018.

Increasing 'gate fees' were implemented in 2013 to cover the £3.4 million-a-year leasing costs to the Department.

Local authorities have complained that passing that burden onto their ratepayers is unjustifiable.

But following talks, the Waste Management Group has now announced that from April next year, the Department will be able to freeze the rate paid by local authorities for twelve months - they'll also provide fresh incentives towards increased recycling.