Council explains action

KIRKLEES Council has defended its move to charge charities for collecting waste,

A spokesperson said: “The council operates a trade waste service to help subsidise the collection of residents’ waste and recycling and support street cleaning operations. As both these services are facing budget reductions, it is essential that we maximise the trade collection business.

“At present a number of charities and third sector organisations including charity shops, not-for-profit organisations, community centres and places of worship have chosen to use Kirklees Council’s trade waste service.

“This service has been offered to them free of charge as a good-will gesture for many years. However, not all charities use the service and many pay for their collections from other trade waste companies. As such the current situation is inconsistent and unfair.

“The council is developing a new policy for collecting trade waste from charities and third sector organisations and have been in touch with their customers to advise them that this is taking place.

“The new updated service will provide a fairer, more equal service, whilst trying to protect as much as possible those that may be vulnerable to the change.

“The details of this policy are still being finalised and we will write to them again in the New Year once more details are finalised.”