Households are no longer required to pay to dispose of “small-scale” DIY waste at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).
The UK government says around one-third of local authorities previously charged to dispose of DIY waste at HWRCs. All councils in England must now treat DIY waste the same as other household waste when it meets certain conditions, such as not exceeding 2x 50L rubble bags.
The DIY waste changes came into force on 31 December 2023 and followed what the government describes as “overwhelming public support” at consultation, with 93% of householders agreeing with the plans to amend legislation.
Recycling Minister Robbie Moore, who replaced Rebecca Pow after a reshuffle, said: “We have delivered on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for people making home improvements to get rid of their waste properly.”
“Removing charges for DIY waste at council recycling centres will help New Year home improvement projects become a reality and ensure that those disposing of waste responsibly aren’t being penalised for doing so.”
By being able to charge, local authorities can provide better services and divert more materials into recycling.
The removal of the fees is part of the wider government’s aim to tackle waste crime and fly-tipping. However, when the government first announced the change, Policy and External Affairs Director, CIWM, Lee Marshall, said the Institution wasn’t aware of any research that “shows unequivocally” a link between charging for waste at HWRCs and increased fly-tipping.
Speaking after the government announced it was scrapping the charges, Marshall said: “CIWM feels there are more important issues to be addressed, including increasing recycling and reducing overall waste arisings. By being able to charge, local authorities can provide better services and divert more materials into recycling.
“Local authorities have estimated the cost of removing charges will be around one million pounds. That is money that will have to be taken from other services at a time when local authority budgets are squeezed.”
A survey by the Local Government Association shows that banning councils from charging households to leave DIY waste at recycling centres could lead to HWRC closures and reduced hours in some council areas.
The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) also criticised the announcement calling it a “diversion tactic”. The NLWA, which does not charge for the DIY waste disposal service and runs a free DIY materials reuse scheme for residents, said it was concerned about the UK government’s priorities and criticised what it called a “flip-flop” attitude towards the polluter pays principle.
However, the Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, Jacob Hayler, was positive about the policy. He said: “We welcome any measures that make it easier for householders to dispose of waste correctly and responsibly at their local HWRC, which in turn reduces the chance of it falling into the hands of criminals or being fly-tipped.”
