Question: Councillor M. Baker:
To ask the Manager given the large number of collectors of unwanted clothing from households if these collectors are required to have a waste collection permit? If so how many permits have been issued in the last year?
Reply:
The collection of unwanted clothing by unregulated collectors is an issue which has caused concern for Charities and Local Authorities. Legal opinion is being pursued; however existing legislation under the Waste Management Acts is not helpful in this area. The collection of clothes for direct re-use for the purpose for which intended (ie. as clothing) and which are fit for purpose is not a waste activity. Dublin City Council is the waste collection permitting authority for the four Dublin authorities. While there are a large number of permits issued for a range of waste collection activities, records show that approximately 6 permitted waste collectors are operating as clothing collectors in the Region.