More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The Government says it is to review charges imposed by councils like Kent County Council to deposit certain types of rubbish at their tips.
The council brought in charges this year for those wanting to use their waste recycling centres for non-household rubbish, such as builders' rubble, hardcore and plasterboard.
The authority followed in the footsteps of others who had introduced charges for certain types of waste and said there was no evidence it would lead to an increase in fly-tipping.
Scroll down to watch our video report on the controversial tip charges
However, there has been some concerns over the arbitrary nature of charges councils are imposing.
Defra (Department for the environment, farming and rural affairs) said in a statement: “We have been clear that disposing of household waste, including waste from DIY home improvement projects, should be free of charge. That is why we are planning to review current rules.
“Where local authorities do charge people to get rid of non-household items at household waste recycling centres, they must make sure charges are proportionate and clear to understand.”
In a bid to save money, KCC is now charging £4 per bag for soil, rubble and hardcore and £6 per bag of plasterboard if they are dumped at their tips.
The move went against the views of people across the county when KCC ran a consultation.
Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), KCC cabinet member for the environment, said: “We operate 18 household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), providing facilities for the recycling and disposal of more than 30 different types of waste. There is no obligation on the county council to take any waste other than a resident’s own household waste free of charge."
“Soil, rubble, hardcore and plasterboard, even if originating from a domestic property, are treated as non-household waste when it comes to us disposing of it.
“KCC would like to continue to offer that service because we know our residents appreciate it and we have introduced a modest charge to off-set the cost.
"Any surplus income is reinvested in the service, and we are working to open a nineteenth HWRC to give greater choice to residents.”
About 3.5m visits are made to Kent’s household waste sites and receive approximately 185,000 tonnes of waste at a cost of around £10m to the taxpayer.
