The cost of bulky waste collections in Neath Port Talbot county is set to increase from November 1, 2026, after cabinet members approved a £10 rise in the flat-rate charge.
The charge will go up from £29.50 to £39.50 for up to seven items, a move expected to generate around £60,000 in additional income each year for the local authority.
Flat-rate option chosen over two-tier structure
The increase was one of several options considered during scrutiny, including a two-tier charging structure of £24 for up to three items and £48 for up to seven items. However, a report said officers recommended the flat-rate option as it was straightforward to implement and minimised the risk of customer disputes.
The report said: "Historically, the council operated a two-tier charging system for bulky household waste collections, with one charge for up to three items and a further charge for four to six items.
"Following significant customer complaints regarding item counts, the council adopted a flat-rate approach allowing up to seven items and established clearer definitions of what constitutes an item."
Still second-cheapest in Wales
Bulky waste charges have been reviewed on several previous occasions, including consideration by scrutiny committees and task and finish groups. The report added: "Although different charging structures have been considered over time, the flat-rate approach has been regarded as the clearest and most practical model, reducing disputes and providing residents with a clearer understanding of the service available."
A council spokesperson said the service currently carries out around 6,000 collections across the borough each year. They highlighted that despite the £10 increase, Neath Port Talbot Council would still be the second-cheapest local authority in Wales for collections of six or seven bulky waste items.
The move was approved by members of Neath Port Talbot Council at a cabinet meeting held on October 21, 2026.
