Council eliminates DIY waste fees

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow announced today (Sunday, June 18) that households will no longer need to pay for the disposal of DIY waste.

In response to significant public support, the Government will eliminate fees that certain local authorities impose for disposing of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). This initiative aims to assist households in disposing of waste responsibly and to promote recycling.

Currently, about one-third of Local Authorities still charge for household DIY waste disposal. The changes introduced today will require councils to handle DIY waste in the same manner as household waste, potentially saving households up to £10 for items like a sheet of plasterboard.

This adjustment will simplify and reduce the costs for those undertaking home improvements when disposing of their waste, thereby decreasing the likelihood of resorting to illegal waste disposal through fly-tipping.

Keskkonnaminister Rebecca Pow märkis:

Our goal is to simplify the process of proper waste disposal, which is why we are removing the financial hurdles associated with DIY waste disposal.

This initiative not only aligns with our broader efforts to combat fly-tipping and waste crime, but it also assists homeowners nationwide in realizing their improvement projects.

These reforms align with our ongoing strategies to address fly-tipping and waste crime, which are estimated to impose a £924 million burden on the economy annually in England. Earlier this year, we pledged £775,000 in grants to assist councils with various initiatives aimed at curtailing fly-tipping. Additionally, we have sought public input on reforming the waste carrier, broker, and dealer system, and are considering mandatory digital waste tracking. We’re also creating a fly-tipping toolkit with the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group to disseminate best practices among local authorities.

Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, remarked:

We appreciate any initiatives that simplify responsible waste disposal at local Household Waste Recycling Centres, which in turn minimizes the risk of waste entering the hands of criminals or falling victim to fly-tipping.

Addressing the complex issue of waste crime, from minor fly-tipping to large-scale illegal operations, requires a comprehensive approach. Therefore, we also advocate for additional measures to support local authorities and introduce digital waste tracking while reforming the licensing framework for waste carriers, brokers, and dealers.

In 2015, the Government clarified that local taxpayers should not face charges for disposing of household waste at civic amenity sites, effectively eliminating “tip taxes.” It has further reiterated that councils should not impose charges for the disposal of DIY household waste.

The newly announced changes will take effect later this year, ensuring that DIY household waste is treated identically to household waste.

These reforms will safeguard the local environment by promoting responsible waste disposal while alleviating the cost of living for households.