Ban on charging for DIY waste could lead to closure of some recycling centres
Some of Devon’s recycling centres could be at risk of closure or operate with reduced hours if Government proposals to ban charging for DIY waste get the green light.
That’s the warning from Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s (DCC) Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, who is also responsible for waste services.
DCC operates a network of 19 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the County and Cllr Croad’s warning follows Government proposals in April to stop charges at HWRCs for all DIY-related waste such as rubble, bricks, plasterboard, and bath units.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who is currently consulting on the proposals, say that the plans are to crack down on fly-tipping.
But in a strongly worded letter to George Eustice, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Cllr Croad argued in the letter that there is simply ‘no evidence’ that fly tipping is caused by charging for DIY waste.
Cllr Croad pointed out that just nine per cent of all the fly-tipped waste recorded in Devon during 2020/2021 was ‘DIY’ waste, and most of the fly-tipped waste would have been accepted for free at the HWRCs.
He said: “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. “
DIY charging was brought in by DCC in 2011 as a direct result of ‘austerity’ budget cuts imposed on the authority at the time.
“As a result of these severe cuts we were faced with a stark choice - permanently close a significant number of our recycling centres or to charge for certain ‘non-statutory’ DIY type wastes,” said Cllr Croad.
“Charging was chosen as a way to deal with the imposed cuts whilst still preserving a good network of HWRC facilities and continuing to provide a good, convenient, accessible service to local householders.
“Charging has been accepted by Devon’s residents as they realise the benefit of having this local disposal service.”
He added: “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.
“To believe that this would have no impact on services is frankly just not realistic.”
Cllr Croad said that the charges were ‘fair’ and were set in proportion to the cost of managing the waste.
“It also raises questions about fairness and equality. DIY waste is created as a result of home improvement works by those who can afford them.
“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.”
