The warning came in a letter last week sent to the environment secretary George Eustice and levelling up secretary Michael Gove from Councillor Roger Croad, who is responsible for Devon county council’s waste services.
He said there is “simply no evidence” that fly-tipping is caused by charging for DIY waste, pointing to Devon statistics which show that just 9% of fly-tipped waste in the region was DIY waste, with most accepted for free at HWRCs.
In a now deleted post on Devon county council’s website, the Conservative councillor said : ”If this policy went ahead, we would potentially face an annual increase in costs of around £1.2m, putting us in a significantly more difficult position than we were in 2011.
“Fly tipping is a criminal offence and it’s just not correct to suggest that charging for DIY waste is increasing fly tipping. It is just not the case.
“To believe that this would have no impact on services is frankly just not realistic.”
Equality
Cllr Croad went on to explain that the charges, introduced in 2011, are aimed at those who can afford to undertake home improvement works “and can afford them”.
He said this cost shouldn’t be picked up by the taxpayer.
“In Devon, where so many households are trying to keep their heads above water and are struggling with the cost-of-living crises, is it fair that those who can afford it aren’t required to pay a relatively small amount to dispose of the waste that they created by choice? And is it fair to then expect the council taxpayer, many of whom are on lower incomes to then pick up the tab? It doesn’t feel right to me.
“Both Devon County Council and the Government are trying to support the disadvantaged and vulnerable and to me this policy seems contrary to the Government’s levelling up agenda.”
Charges
In April, Defra announced plans to “clamp down” on local authorities charging for DIY waste, as part of efforts to tackle fly-tipping (see letsrecycle.com story).
The government says it banned “backdoor charges” on residents disposing of household waste, including that arising from DIY, at HWRCs in 2015 (see letsrecycle.com story).
However, around a third of local authorities still charge for certain types of DIY waste, the government says, using rules designed for construction waste.
The landscape for those involved in running a household waste and recycling centre has changed from just a year ago with new pressures and legislative proposals.
Drawing on best practice case studies and exploring charging and booking systems, the National Civic Amenity Site Conference aims to look to the future. It will explore the latest guidance and advice for anyone connected to managing or operating a civic amenity site and provide a great opportunity to meet colleagues from across the UK. Secure your ticket here.
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