Councillor Karen Power Calls for More Waste Collection Providers in Skerries and Balbriggan
Fingal County Councillor Karen Power has launched a petition calling for more waste collection providers in the Skerries and Balbriggan areas following an announcement by waste management company, Panda, of an increase in charges for brown bin collection. In a Facebook post, Councillor Power highlighted that Panda is the main or only waste collection provider in these areas, and that there is a need for more competition in the market.
Panda recently announced an increase in charges of €3.80 per lift for the brown bin, leading to a significant increase in annual waste bills for residents. This has resulted in a deterrent to use the compost bin, which is not only environmentally friendly but can also help reduce waste disposal costs.
Councillor Power stated that when she moved to Skerries, she contacted other waste collection providers, who informed her that Panda was the only option available. However, these providers stated that they would consider providing a service in the area if there was enough interest from residents.
The petition aims to determine if there is an appetite from residents in the area to change providers if an alternative provider was available. While this would be a business decision for providers, Councillor Power is hopeful that the petition can demonstrate the interest to them. The results of the petition will be brought to other providers if there is interest to do so.
You can sign the petition by visiting this link: www.change.org/p/waste-collection-operators-in-skerries-balbriggan-balrothery-and-loughshinny. By signing the petition, you can help demonstrate to waste collection providers that there is an appetite for more competition in the market and that residents are looking for more affordable and innovative waste collection solutions.
Councillor Power has also urged residents to share the petition and contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) about the lack of competition in the market. The CCPC is responsible for promoting competition in markets to benefit consumers and businesses alike.
The issue of lack of competition in the waste collection market is not unique to Skerries and Balbriggan. It is a widespread issue in many areas, where one or a few waste collection providers have a monopoly, leading to limited competition and potentially higher prices for residents.
Councillor Karen Power's petition for more competition in the waste collection market in Skerries and Balbriggan highlights a common issue in many areas, where one or a few waste collection providers dominate the market. This lack of competition can lead to higher prices for residents, and limited options for waste collection providers. It is important to promote competition in this market to ensure that residents have access to affordable waste collection services and to encourage innovation in the waste management sector. We encourage all residents to sign the petition and share it with their friends and family in the area. Together, we can make a difference and bring about positive change in the waste collection market in Skerries, Balbriggan, Balrothery, and Loughshinny.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PETITION www.change.org/p/waste-collection-operators-in-skerries-balbriggan-balrothery-and-loughshinny
Panda Dominates Domestic Waste Collection Market, Raising Concerns about Lack of Competition
If Panda currently holds a dominant market share in the domestic waste collection market in Fingal, it may suggest that competition is not working effectively in the marketplace. This may be due to various reasons such as barriers to entry, economies of scale, brand recognition, or exclusive contracts with local authorities.
Barriers to entry may prevent new players from entering the market, limiting competition. For instance, if a waste collection company needs to invest heavily in equipment, technology, or infrastructure to provide services, it may deter new players from entering the market, leaving the existing dominant player with little competition.
Economies of scale could also play a role in limiting competition. Large waste management companies like Panda Limited may have an advantage over smaller companies due to their ability to spread fixed costs over a larger customer base, resulting in lower unit costs. This makes it difficult for smaller companies to compete on price, limiting competition.
Brand recognition can also be a significant factor in a company's dominance in the marketplace. If a company has been operating in the market for a long time and has built a reputation for quality service, customers may prefer to stick with the familiar brand, making it difficult for new companies to enter and compete.
Exclusive contracts with local authorities can also limit competition by creating a monopoly in the market. If a waste collection company holds an exclusive contract with a local authority, it effectively eliminates competition, leaving residents with no other option but to use that service.
In conclusion, if Panda currently dominates the domestic waste collection market in Fingal, it may suggest that competition is not working effectively in the marketplace. Various factors such as barriers to entry, economies of scale, brand recognition, and exclusive contracts could be limiting competition. It is essential to address these issues to promote competition and encourage innovation in the waste management sector.