Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Waste collection and the structure of the waste collection market is under the remit of the Department of Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

However, under consumer protection law, before a consumer signs up to a contract with a waste operator they must be provided with certain information. This includes the total price of the service or the method of calculating the price (e.g. by weight) and the duration of the contract, or if it is ongoing, how a consumer can cancel their contract.

When a consumer enters into a contract for a service such as waste collection, there is an onus on the consumer to review all of the terms and conditions attached to this service, including collection fees and charges. Once a consumer has agreed to the service, not necessarily in writing, they have also agreed to the terms and conditions and may be bound by them. terms and conditions are set at the company's own discretion?and therefore may include potential contract alteration notices and associated fees.

My officials have advised at present traders in Ireland are generally free to set and change their own prices for goods and services.