Devon recycling centres to charge for DIY waste and tyres from next month

CHARGING people to use recycling centres across Devon will lead to an explosion of fly-tipping, a leading Axminster councillor has warned.

Former Mayor, Douglas Hull says the plan to introduce fees for certain items at tips like Sutton Barton will result in rubbish strewn across the local countryside.

And he warned it would add to the fly-tipping nuisance already expected when the Seaton recycling centre closes at the end of the month.

Devon County Council is introducing charges on a range of materials, because it says it cannot afford the �1million a year cost of dealing with it.

People will have to pay to leave soil and rubble - including bricks, blocks, tiles, paving slabs, concrete posts, sanitary ware etc - plasterboard, bonded asbestos and tyres.

All other household waste, including garden waste, recyclables and general waste will still be accepted free of charge.

A spokesman said: “Devon County Council only has a legal obligation to provide recycling centre facilities for household waste - which is what arises from the day to day running of a household.

“Items from the repair or improvement of houses, such as DIY type waste, is classified as construction waste and there is no requirement for the council to provide any service for its disposal or accept it free of charge.

“Tyres are also not household waste and therefore there is no requirement to accept them free of charge.”

The council says it recognises that facilities are still needed for residents to dispose of small amounts of DIY type waste - when it is not worth hiring a skip - and tyres.

As a result is has made arrangements with the site operators for such waste to be accepted for a charge.

The fees will be:

Soil and rubble (including bricks, blocks, tiles, paving slabs, concrete posts, sanitary ware etc) - �2 per bag.

Plasterboard (including plaster and gypsum related products) - �7 per sheet or bag.

Asbestos (bonded type only – pre booked through 0845 1551010) - �20 per sheet or bag.

Tyres �2 each (commercial vehicle tyres not accepted, no charge for bicycle tyres).

For full details visit:

www.devon.gov.uk/chargeablewaste