The Conservative-controlled authority said in a statement that the decision to ban DIY waste charges, which have been in place in Devon since 2011, will lose the council around £1 million in income.
The council explained that plans therefore to stop councils charging for DIY waste, announced by the government on Sunday, 18 June (see letsrecycle.com story), will lead to changes to the HWRC service.
Devon previously said that such changes could mean us having to consider reducing opening hours, with the council now reviewing the impact before making further changes.
The council also warned last year in a letter to the then-environment secretary George Eustice that some facilities could close if the charges are banned (see letsrecycle.com story).
‘Disappointed’
Councillor Roger Croad, cabinet member with responsibilities including waste, said: “I am very disappointed with the government’s announcement.
“We introduced charges for DIY materials at a time of austerity to make financial savings in order to be able to continue to offer a comprehensive county-wide network of Household Waste Recycling Centres.
“We will have to see the details of what is now being proposed before considering its impact on our budget and our service.”
Disposal
Cllr Croad also warned that public finances are already stretched and the move “will add to our financial burden”.
He concluded: “The disposal of waste comes at a cost. It doesn’t seem right that all council tax payers should have to pay for waste from people who can afford to carry out their own home improvements. There will be many residents who will feel aggrieved at helping to pay for other people’s home improvements.
“Public finances are already stretched and this will add to our financial burden.”
The upcoming ban on DIY waste charges and a raft of other legislation changes means the landscape for those involved in running a household waste and recycling centre has changed from just a year ago.
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