Gloucestershire County Council has approved new charges for residents disposing of excess waste from home improvement projects at the county’s household recycling centres. These charges are 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 per month free of charge. This means individuals can bring up to two such bags per visit, making up to four visits in a four-week period without incurring fees.
Charges will apply to quantities exceeding this allowance, particularly for materials such as rubble, plasterboard, soil, and other household fixtures. For example, an additional 50-litre bag of bricks, rubble, or stones will cost £5 each. Large paving slabs will be charged at £2.50 each, while breeze blocks or small paving slabs will incur a £1 fee per item.
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Disposal of a 20-litre bag of tiles or bulky items such as a bath, basin, toilet cistern, kitchen unit, shower tray, or cabinet will cost £2.50 each. Additionally, a 50-litre bag of plasterboard will be charged at £10.
The council estimates these charges will generate a net revenue of between £300,000 and £450,000 annually.
The proposals have attracted criticism, with hundreds signing a petition opposing the new fees. Reform UK councillors at Shire Hall have expressed concerns, arguing that the introduction of charges may lead to further increases without proper scrutiny.
Councillor Ray Donaghue (Reform UK, Cinderford) warned, “Once this door is open, the charges can climb and the list can grow, and scrutiny will never see it again. This is only the start, and it will hurt residents.”
His group leader, Vernon Smith (Reform UK, Tewkesbury West), added that the charges were approved without full disclosure of the costs and suggested the council should provide transparent information to the public.
Conversely, Liberal Democrat councillor Ashley Bowkett (Barnwood and Hucclecote), responsible for waste reduction at Shire Hall, emphasised there had been misunderstandings about the policy. He stated, “Residents are not being charged to use household recycling centres, nor for ordinary household waste or normal recycling.”
He clarified that smaller amounts of DIY waste will not incur charges. “Charges only come into play where much larger volumes are involved,” he said.
Councillor Bowkett highlighted that the charge aims to ensure that the cost of dealing with large amounts of waste falls on those generating it, rather than all Gloucestershire council taxpayers. He also pointed out that the centres are intended for householders, not commercial operators who may be abusing the facilities.
Residents seeking to dispose of excess DIY waste can do so at Gloucestershire’s five household recycling centres, located across the county.