Local authorities in England are warning that a government ban on fees for disposing of DIY waste at recycling centres could lead to higher council tax for all households. Currently, about a third of councils charge for items such as paving slabs, plasterboard, and bricks, with costs up to £10 per item.
The ban, expected later this year, aims to deter fly-tipping, which costs the English economy an estimated £924m annually. However, the Local Government Association (LGA) argues that the costs will simply be passed on to residents through higher council tax or other charges.
The LGA's environment spokesman, Darren Rodwell, said: 'Where councils are no longer able to charge for DIY waste at recycling centres the cost will be passed to all householders, including households that do not have a car and those with no possibility of carrying out building works.' He added that manufacturers should contribute more through take-back services for items like sofas and mattresses.
Suffolk County Council estimates the change would cost it £500,000 annually, while Norfolk County Council expects a hit of more than £1m. The LGA says the change will cost many councils over £1m a year.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: 'We want to make it as easy as possible for people to dispose of their waste properly and that's why we are removing the financial burden on doing the right thing with DIY trash.' However, the LGA and recycling group Wrap found no clear link between charges and fly-tipping levels.
Jacob Hayler of the Environmental Services Association welcomed the move, saying it reduces the chance of waste falling into criminal hands or being fly-tipped. The ban follows 2015 rules that already prohibited charges for household rubbish at recycling centres, but some councils continued to charge for certain DIY materials under construction waste regulations.
