West Berkshire council is to introduce charges for disposing of some ‘non-household’ materials at its household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs).
From Monday 4 September there will be charges for soil, rubble, ceramics, plasterboard and tyres at both the council’s Newtown Road and Padworth recycling centres.
According to the council, these items are classified as ‘non-household waste’ which it has no statutory obligation to accept at its recycling centres.
Litter Strategy
An aerial view of West Berkshire’s Padworth HWRC
By implementing these charges, the council said it will allow the sites to continue to accept these types of waste.
However, earlier in the year the government said it was going to review guidance around charges for the disposal of waste at HWRCs, in order to ‘make clear’ the law around charging the public for the service. (see letsrecycle.com story)
In April’s litter strategy, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said: “Government’s view is clear: DIY waste is classed as household waste if it results from work a householder would normally carry out. A number of local authorities have introduced additional charges for the deposit of waste which local authorities categorise as ‘waste other than household waste’.
Compliant
The government has pledged to work with WRAP to review current guidance to ‘ensure this reflects changes in the law and to make clear what can and cannot be charged for at HWRCs – including in respect of DIY waste’. Revised guidance will be published by the end of the 2017.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, a council spokesman said: “We are aware of the Litter Strategy and have carefully reviewed the national guidance to ensure we continue to remain fully compliant with legislation.”
“Non-household waste items are expensive to dispose of and this contribution by residents will enable us to continue to provide this service rather than withdrawing it completely.”
Dominic Boeck
West Berkshire council
Explaining the reasons behind the changes to the service, Cllr Dominic Boeck, West Berkshire council’s executive member for environment, said: “Non-household waste items are expensive to dispose of and this contribution by residents will enable us to continue to provide this service rather than withdrawing it completely.
Charges
“The charges are non-profit making and will provide a good value, accessible service for our residents. Other neighbouring council-run facilities have already introduced charges to dispose of occasional non-household waste.”
According to the West Berkshire, the charges contribute towards the cost of disposal of the material only and do not cover the full costs incurred by the council.
The council said that household waste will still be accepted without charge including items such as electrical items, wood and at both recycling centres. Bulky household waste such as furniture, carpets and black bag waste will also still be free of charge at Newtown Road Recycling Centre.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
