It was revealed this week that charges for excess DIY waste could be introduced at Gloucestershire recycling centres including Pyke Quarry at Horsley under new proposals.
Under Gloucestershire County Council’s plans, it would remain free to dispose of small amounts of DIY waste such as rubble, soil or discarded fixtures.
Up to two 50-litre rubble bags per visit would be allowed or a single item no larger than 2000mm x 750mm x 750mm, with a maximum of four visits every month.
Excess waste above these limits would incur a charge in line with national guidelines, although the fees have not yet been revealed.
If approved, the charges would be in place at GCC’s five Household Recycling Centres – Pyke Quarry near Stroud, Fosse Cross near Cirencester, Wingmoor Farm at Bishop’s Cleeve, Hempsted in Gloucester and Oak Quarry near Mitcheldean.
Dozens of users have reacted angrily to the news on social media, with many raising fears over an increase in fly-tipping.
“Watch fly-tipping and burning of waste go up by 1,000 per cent,” was one concern.
Another commenter said: “Well that’s fly tipping on the increase again then,” while another claimed it was a ‘simple way to cause more fly- tipping.’
Gill Thomas, Stroud District Council’s litter and clean environment champion, also has concerns.
“This is a significant change that will affect how many residents dispose of their household waste,” she said.
“It’s important the proposal is properly scrutinised before any decision is made.
“The available national evidence looks at overall fly-tipping rates rather than specifically measuring the impact of DIY waste charging or identifying DIY waste within fly-tipping incidents.
“It is therefore difficult to state with certainty that these proposals will have no impact on fly-tipping locally.
“We all want to deter misuse of our household waste and recycling centres but we also need to ensure residents aren’t inadvertently penalised for trying to do the right thing.”
Tricia Watson, Stroud district councillor for Chalford, added: “The suggested approach to allow a small amount to be disposed for free feels proportionate to support the average DIY enthusiast while making it less appealing to traders taking advantage.
“But the details here would be impractical for say someone replacing their own bathroom or taking down a collapsing fence or garden shed.
“Hiring a van for the weekend yet having to take one item at a time over a few days would require unnecessary additional fuel usage and could end up leaving people with an old loo and sink on their drive until they could get access to a suitable vehicle to take these things in.
“I hope the final implementation will be practical for residents while still achieving the objective of deterring rogue traders and reuse/recycling what we can.”
Ashley Bowkett, GCC cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction, said: “Most residents only produce small amounts of DIY waste, and under the proposals that will continue to be free to dispose of.
“This approach is about fairness – ensuring those using the service the most contribute to the cost, while protecting it for everyone.
“Under the new plans, small amounts of DIY waste – such as rubble, soil or discarded fixtures would remain free to dispose of.
“We recognise this would be a significant change for some residents, but similar approaches are already in place across many other parts of the country.”