SIR,

I firmly believe that a legal challenge could/ should be brought against Monmouthshire County Council in view of their proposals to introduce clear refuse sacks in place of the black bags.

This will clearly be a breach of the Invasion of Privacy Laws.

The legal term 'invasion of privacy' refers primarily to a person's right to keep his or her life private and free from the intrusion of others.

Unreasonable invasion of one's privacy can cause harm.

Legally an individual has a right to privacy from:

1) Intrusion on one's solitude or into one's private affairs;

2) public disclosure of embarrassing private information.

Some unscrupulous individuals have been known to rummage through refuse to find evidence of prescription drug use or other highly personal matters.

Even though the refuse itself may have been placed on public space, the information contained within is still considered personal and should remain disclosed.

The introduction of clear bags will quite clearly enhance the opportunity for personal information to be exposed creating opportunist easier access to that information or place in public view personal and/ or private information.

The council argue that "We understand the concerns people have voiced about privacy so we are going to provide bags of a similar grade and opacity to the red and purple recycling bags but without any colour pigment (the bags appear silver in finish without colour pigmentation).

"If you're still concerned about your privacy, you can wrap up items so they remain unseen."

What a ridiculous statement to make from an officer of a principle authority who clearly has a very blinkered vision of the seriousness of these proposals.

Not withstanding the cost involved by Monmouthshire County Council to implement this project, which would be better spent elsewhere, this is merely a cost cutting exercise to reduce levels going to landfill, which I of course support, but not at the risk or embarrassment of residents having their refuse scrutinised by officers from Monmouthshire County Council.

They also claim that it costs £122 per ton to send refuse to landfill, they do not mention how much, if any, income they receive from some items of recyclable materials.

A question that I would put to officers of the council who should respond publicly.

As for the charges for garden waste, what do we pay our community charge for?

I accept that in some cases abuse of the system is apparent but don't officers understand that these proposals will increase fly tipping, something this scheme was initially introduced for?

If I have to adhere to this ridiculous scheme and, 'wrap up items so they remain unseen' I will most likely put my waste in a black bag and then put it in one of the council's 'pigment free', 'silver appearance' bags, that will ensure my privacy remains intact.

I have written this as an individual member and it does not necessary reflect the views of the council.

Tony Carrington

(Llanelly Community Councillor)