Fees for disposing of DIY waste at council recycling centres in England could be banned under government plans, in an attempt to tackle fly-tipping. Around a third of local authorities charge up to £10 an item for disposing of paving slabs, plasterboard, bricks and other materials. More than one million fly-tipping incidents were recorded in 2021, costing local authorities almost £400m. Ministers say they want to make it easier for people to dispose of waste. The proposed changes are contained in a technical consultation by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs that could lead to current legislation being amended.
In 2015, the government banned charges on local residents disposing of household rubbish at household waste centres.