Gloucestershire County Council has approved new charges for the disposal of “excess” waste from home improvement projects at local household recycling centres, with the changes expected to take effect next year.
Under the new scheme, residents will be allowed to dispose of up to eight 50-litre bags of do-it-yourself (DIY) waste free each month. Beyond this free allowance, charges will apply to the disposal of certain materials commonly produced during home renovations.
For example, an additional 50-litre bag of bricks, rubble, or stones will incur a charge of £5, while large paving slabs will cost £2.50 each. Breeze blocks and small paving slabs will be charged at £1 each. Disposal of a 20-litre bag of tiles or bulky items such as baths, basins, toilet cisterns, kitchen units, shower trays, or cabinets will be £2.50 per item. A 50-litre bag of plasterboard will attract a £10 charge.
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The council estimates that these charges will generate a net annual revenue between £300,000 and £450,000, which is intended to cover disposal costs and discourage misuse of recycling facilities.
However, the proposals have faced opposition from local residents and political representatives. Hundreds have signed a petition against the new charges, and Reform UK councillors at Shire Hall have expressed concerns.
Councillor Ray Donaghue (Reform UK, Cinderford) warned about the potential for ongoing increases in charges without adequate scrutiny. “Once this door is open, the charges can climb and the list can grow, and scrutiny will never see it again,” he said. “This is only the start, and it will hurt residents.”
Vernon Smith, leader of the Reform UK group (Tewkesbury West), criticised the introduction of charges prior to full disclosure of all relevant cost information. “If the case is as strong as the administration claims, it should have no fear of publishing the full costs and asking the public directly,” he stated.
In response, Liberal Democrat councillor Ashley Bowkett, responsible for waste reduction at Shire Hall, sought to clarify misunderstandings regarding the charges at a cabinet meeting on 22 July.
“Firstly, residents are not being charged to use household recycling centres,” Bowkett emphasised. “Secondly, there are no charges for ordinary household waste or normal recycling. Thirdly, the charges apply only to excess DIY waste beyond a generous free allowance.”
He added that residents can make up to four visits within a four-week period, bringing a total of eight 50-litre bags of DIY waste without incurring any fees. “Charges will only apply where much larger volumes are involved,” he explained.
Bowkett also pointed out that the charge aims to target commercial operators misusing recycling centres intended for householders. “The question is whether the cost falls on all Gloucestershire council taxpayers or on those businesses incorrectly using our facilities as a free resource,” he noted.
The council operates five household recycling centres across Gloucestershire, offering residents accessible locations to dispose of their household and DIY waste responsibly.