Gloucestershire County Council is considering introducing charges for household DIY waste disposal at its Household Recycling Centres (HRCs). Currently, residents can bring construction and demolition waste from their own homes to any of the five HRCs across the county free of charge, with separate containers for rubble, soil, wood, and plasterboard.
The council’s new proposal aims to cap the amount of free DIY waste accepted at these centres and impose fees for quantities exceeding these limits. This plan aligns with government guidance and is designed to ensure fair usage and financial sustainability of the service.
Under the proposed changes, small amounts of DIY waste would remain free. Residents would be allowed up to two 50-litre bags of rubble-type waste per visit, or one single item no larger than 2000mm x 750mm x 750mm. Additionally, they could make up to four visits within any four-week period without charge. Charges would apply if these limits are exceeded during a single visit or if visits surpass four within the month.
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It is important to note that these measures apply only to waste from homeowners’ own properties. Waste from contractors doing work on a property is classified as commercial waste and is already not accepted at the county’s HRCs. The same applies to waste from secondary properties such as holiday homes or rental properties.
No final decision has been made. The proposal will undergo full scrutiny before being presented to the council’s Cabinet for approval.
Cllr Ashley Bowkett, Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate and Waste Reduction, explained that most residents produce only small amounts of DIY waste, which would remain free to dispose of. He emphasized the approach’s fairness, ensuring frequent users contribute more towards the service’s cost while maintaining access for everyone.
If enacted, the charges are expected to help generate additional revenue to reinvest in local services and improve recycling facilities, including the introduction of a new streamlined booking and payment system. This system has already reduced queuing times significantly and generally offers same-day or next-day booking availability.
The council will closely monitor the effects of the changes, considering feedback, waste volumes, recycling rates, and any broader impact to ensure the system meets residents' needs effectively.
Further information will be provided to residents before any changes are implemented to ensure clarity and understanding of the new procedures.
Gloucestershire’s five Household Recycling Centres serve residents throughout the county and will continue operations under these evolving plans.