Local authorities are set to launch a nationwide crackdown on households that are not using authorised bin collection companies.

The Irish Times reports that local authorities around the country are passing by-laws that will increase their ability to target and act against households suspected of illegally dumping their waste.

The plan will allow for new “intelligence gathering” powers - which will see authorised collectors sharing the Eircodes of paying customers with authorities.

The information would then be used to pin-point homes with no waste-collection service.

Households who claim to dispose of their waste through civic amenities like public recycling centres - or who claim to share their bins with neighbours and family - will have to provide authorities with documentary evidence.

Officials will be handed powers similar to TV licence inspectors, allowing them to knock on doors with the threat of on-the-spot fines.

A €75 fixed-penalty notice will be issued to anyone found to not have a satisfactory system in place.

Repeat offenders could be fined up to €2,500 if they come before the courts.

Authorities reportedly believe the plan can mark the beginning of the end for fly-tipping and rogue waste collection in Ireland.

Dublin City Council has already passed the new by-laws and many other local authorities expect to have them in place by the end of April.