Cork councillors warn hike in timber recycling charges could lead to dumping  

Cork County Council has been warned that a sharp increase in timber-recycling charges could lead people to burn or illegally dump waste wood. 

The price has risen from €170 to €550 a tonne as timber recycling resumes at the council’s Civic Amenity Sites on October 1.

Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins described the new charges as “extravagant”.

He told a recent meeting of the council’s Western Division that a local kitchen fitter was already facing higher costs across the board and would now have to contend with the increased timber-disposal bill.

Mr Collins said he could see how some people might begin burning or dumping timber instead.

Fianna Fáil councillor Alan Dromey supported the concerns and asked whether a community option could be examined, such as chipping the timber for other uses.

Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse said the return of the service after almost a year was welcome, but said the cost was very high. 

She said around 90% of the timber brought to the sites was treated and could not be reused. Ms Towse urged the council to examine recycling options, including whether some material could be used for fencing.

Very prohibitive

Her party colleague Ann Bambury said the cost was “very prohibitive” and said she had seen timber dumped twice near her home during the past year. 

Independent Ireland councillor Daniel Sexton asked whether usable timber could be made available to Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and similar community groups.

However council officials said the authority had little option under the new contract arrangements. He said the treated timber was ultimately incinerated.

Mr Sexton stressed the charges applied to substantial loads and would not affect someone bringing an occasional piece of old furniture or a small amount of timber to their local Civic Amenity Site.

From October 1, customers will pay €200 for a small single-axle trailer, estate car or car-sized van. The charge for a larger or high-sided single-axle trailer is €350, rising to €380 for a double-axle trailer or large van and €480 for the largest high-sided loads.

Smaller part-loads, including furniture, offcuts and individual items, will be assessed at the gate before entry. Timber will be accepted at sites in Bandon, Clonakilty, Macroom, Castletownbere, Derryconnell, Kanturk, Mallow, Millstreet, Rossmore, Raffeen and Youghal.