Outcry at ‘tip tax’ charge for domestic DIY rubble
Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing a ‘tip tax’ in Bath which will see charges for DIY rubble.
The petition says the tax would be “grossly unfair” as it would see charges for recycling rubble, plasterboard and tyres.
The council’s budget, which included the tip tax proposal, was signed off on February 23.
Bath and North East Somerset Council said the scheme could bring in £71,000 and is common practice elsewhere. It has not led to increased flytipping in other authorities which have the charge.
Martin Grixoni, a public speaker and former Conservative election candidate, started the petition and it gained over 200 signatures within 24 hours.
The petition says: “After universal agreement at the madness of the proposed ‘tip tax,’ I was encouraged to start a petition.
“There is a BANES budget proposal announced in February 2021 to charge council tax payers for disposing of items that are presently free of charge. These include home DIY items such as plasterboard and any rubble at all, plus tyres.
“This will clearly discourage recycling, increase flytipping and disadvantage those who do home DIY projects.
“It just needlessly takes away social cohesion and will further complicate a system that should be being made simpler.”
The petition, on Change.org, goes on to say the tax would be “short-sighted and fundamentally wrong”.
In response, Councillor David Wood said DIY waste is not “classed as general domestic waste” and the council can no longer afford to subsidise its disposal.
The joint cabinet member for climate emergency and neighbourhood services said: “It’s really important people dispose of their waste responsibly and recycle as much as they can.
“However, rubble, plasterboard and tyres are not classed as general domestic waste and we can no longer afford to subsidise their disposal. Many councils, including Somerset County Council, already charge for disposing of such items.
“We are however keeping our charges as low as possible at cost price for disposal.
“It is important to reiterate that there is no excuse for flytipping, it is harmful to the environment and wildlife and we have a zero tolerance policy.
“Anyone caught flytipping is liable to prosecution, with fines of up to £50,000 or five years’ imprisonment.
“If residents come across waste that has been fly tipped it’s important they report it to us, so that our Cleansing and Enforcement team can investigate and deal with it promptly or in conjunction with the landowner. You can report it online here.”
The charges for disposal are £2 per bag of hardcore/rubble/ceramics, £4 per bag of plasterboard and £3.50 for each car tyre.