Government proposes end to DIY waste charges

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) today announced a consultation on Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), seeking views on DIY waste charges and booking systems.

The Government has stated that it believes householders should not be charged to dispose of DIY waste, and has proposed changes to allow householders to deposit DIY waste for free. This, it says, will reduce the potential risk of fly-tipping, littering and backyard burning, all of which ‘create additional costs for local authorities and cause environmental issues’.

The consultation is seeking input on whether construction waste should be treated as DIY waste in certain circumstances, therefore being classed as household waste, enabling it to be disposed of free of charge. Defra is also calling for views on what the possible criteria for defining construction waste as DIY waste should be.

Additionally, the consultation is asking for input on the impact of booking systems at HWRCs, with the Government stating that the facilities must be accessible to all residents.

Respondents will have the opportunity to contribute until 4 July, at 11:59 pm.

Cost concerns

The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) has responded to the Government’s DIY charge proposals. As the proposal was not included in any of last year’s consultations, LARAC asserts that it has ‘not received the same scrutiny through an impact assessment or widespread debate on any consequences.’

Although removing the charges could reduce individual householder costs, LARAC warns that local taxpayers may have to cover the cost of the materials, with increased processing costs at HWRCs being paid for out of council tax.

This, LARAC says, moves away from the polluter pays principle; in this case, the householder producing wastes that are ‘problematic to deal with, or expensive’. The body also warns that HWRCs may have to make provisions for the materials, which could cause problems for sites with limited space, or could see sites making ‘expensive changes to their permits.’

LARAC says that it ‘looks forward to seeing the full details of the proposal and the opportunity of determining whether the increased costs on local taxpayers will be covered by any new burdens funding.’

‘8 out of 10 people are happy’ with current system

Responding to the proposals for DIY waste charges and HWRC booking systems, Councillor David Renard, Environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “Councils, as the primary managers of environmental services are best placed to decide what works best for their areas.

“The disposal of non-household waste, such as DIY waste and tyres, is a non-statutory duty. As a result, some councils have had to introduce charges for this waste due to the rising costs of providing the service and the financial pressure they are under.

“Money raised from charges goes back into services so councils can continue to offer disposal facilities for these materials to residents, who would otherwise find them difficult to get rid of and will ensure that the system is not abused by those seeking to dispose of trade waste for free.

“To deal with pressures and ensure social distancing compliance during the pandemic, more councils introduced booking systems for recycling centres. Many have continued this practice as they have found it best suits the needs of their area.

“Manufacturers can improve recycling rates and deter fly-tipping by providing more take-back services so people can hand in old furniture and mattresses when they buy new ones.

“Our own polling shows eight out of 10 people are happy with the way their local council collects their rubbish.”