Concerns over fee to dump rubble

ANEW charge being introduced this month for rubble at Cheshire East waste sites lacks clarity over pricing and will lead to further flytipping, residents fear.

The new charge of £3.50 per bag comes into force at household waste centres across the borough on January 15.

The council approved the new charge as part of last year’s budget process to raise cash. The council states: “Cheshire East Council has a statutory duty to accept household waste, free of charge. Waste created from home improvements, repairs and alterations to your home or domestic property is not household waste and we have no legal duty to accept it.

“We have introduced the charging scheme to allow you to continue to dispose of materials for which you may otherwise need to hire a skip or source another outlet. Our alternative option is to refuse to accept any rubble at the HWRCs.”

The website says the charge will be £3.50 and states items the charge will apply to and bag and plaster board sizes.

It continues: “The duty manager will advise as to the cost of the items / bags being deposited. Where material is not bagged the duty manager will estimate the quantity to be charged. The site manager has the final say on the total cost to be charged.”

Payment has to be made by credit or debit card while the resident is on site and before the waste is disposed of. Cash and cheques will not be accepted.

The council says: “If payment cannot be made before the waste is deposited, you will be unable to use the services and will be asked to leave the site.”

Crewe councillor Jill Rhodes (Lab) said: “I have been approached by residents who are very concerned about the lack of clarity with the size of bags and what they’re being charged for and also by residents very concerned there will be an increase in flytipping because people will not want to pay £3.50 to take their rubble to a tip.”

For more information about the charges visit www.cheshireeast.gov. uk and search for rubble charges.