Neath Port Talbot Council is pressing ahead with plans to increase charges for bulky waste collections, despite a backlash from opposition members. The uplift in price was approved by cabinet members in a move expected to generate around £60,000 of additional income for the local authority each year.
The existing flat-rate bulky waste collection charge will rise from £29.50 to £39.50 for up to seven items, with the change intended to be implemented later this month.
Options considered
It was one of several options considered by council bosses, including a potential two-tier bulky waste charging structure of £24 for up to three items and £48 for up to seven items. However, a report said officers had recommended the flat-rate option as it was more straightforward to implement and minimised the risk of customer disputes.
The decision was called in by councillors Robert Wood, Ted Latham, Sarah Thomas and Charlotte Galsworthy for further discussion at the visible services and streetscene committee held on October 29, 2026.
Concerns over waste accumulation
Speaking at the meeting, some members said they had recommended the second tiered option, which they felt was a fairer and more proportionate option for customers requiring smaller collections - something that would have also driven higher income for the council. They also raised concerns that the change could result in members of the public accumulating waste while they waited to build up to seven items in order to get better value for money, as well as potential increases in cases of fly-tipping.
Officers said the first option was recommended as it was more straightforward to implement, with the second option requiring administrative, customer service and digital system changes. They added that it would also minimise disputes over item numbers, particularly in cases of collecting items such as beds or wardrobes that were made up of multiple parts, noting that the flat-rate option was still cheaper for two thirds of customers.
Additionally, they said they would monitor the impacts of any changes associated with the increased charges, including whether there were more recorded instances of fly-tipping as a result.
Decision confirmed
Councillor Carl Jordan said: "Cabinet's decision to approve option one was not the rejection of the scrutiny's recommendation, rather it reflected the cabinet's judgement that the existing flat-rate structure provided the best overall balance between affordability, simplicity, service sustainability and value for money for service users."
Following discussions, the committee voted not to refer the decision back to the cabinet or council, meaning the increased charges will now take effect as planned.
