Dublin's four local authorities have changed the rules governing household waste so that only the Councils, and a private company who secures a contract by tender, can collect bins.
Dublin Assistant City Manager Matt Twomey contends the recent arrival of private operators into the market has been unsustainable, as numerous trucks end-up collecting waste in the same estates.
However private companies, like NTR-owned GreenStar and Panda Recycling, argue the Councils are abusing their power and intend to challenge the decision in the courts.
Dublin's four local authorities have varied their Waste Management Plan, and intend to review permits for more than 100 companies who collect household waste in the region.
They argue they have been forced into this because the multiplicity of private contractors is unsustainable, causing traffic congestion, noise and air pollution, and adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
They say they are also making the move after legal advice and EU consultations, because the private collectors do not contribute to waste prevention or collect waste from 70,000 low income families on waivers.
The private operators contend its all about money: the Dublin Councils are losing revenue because private firms provide a better service, and fear they soon might not have enough waste to feed the new Poolbeg incinerator.
Companies like NTR's GreenStar allege the Councils are anti-competitive because they are rewriting the rules and then competing in a competition they ultimately judge.
This decision on the capital's multi-million euro waste business will almost certainly end up before Irish and European courts.
