Charges for some types of waste will be introduced next month – despite warnings it could lead to an increase in fly-tipping.
Staffordshire County Council unveiled plans earlier this month to make residents pay for dropping off items such as rubble and plasterboard at recycling centres in Lichfield and Burntwood.
The charges – between £3 and £4 a bag – will come into force from November 1, with payment only accepted by card.
The initial proposal had been called back by opposition leaders for further scrutiny, but the authority has now confirmed the scheme will go ahead.
Cllr Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and the Communities, said: “Our recycling centres take domestic waste such as hedge clippings, or a few tree branches, mattresses, electrical appliances and household furniture free of charge and that will continue unchanged.
“But certain waste generated by DIY, home improvements or extensive landscaping of gardens, such as soil and rubble, or sinks and toilets, or plasterboard, is not legally regarded as household rubbish and, like many other councils, we’ve decided to cover the cost of processing it.
“Reducing the cost to the council of recycling will allow us to focus on supporting the most vulnerable people in society and providing statutory services in Staffordshire.”
The decision to call-in the decision for further debate came after the Labour opposition group raised concerns about the plan.
Cllr Sue Woodward said: “There had been inadequate consultation – including with waste collection councils at district level – and the impact on fly-tipping had not been fully considered – yet the changes are due to come into force on November 1.
“And pity the poor operatives who gave to enforce this new charging regime.”
Criticism has also come from the Conservative ranks too. Lichfield District Councillor Ben Rayner took to social media to question the plans:
https://twitter.com/bl_rayner/status/787230057827823616
