Anger at move for tip charges
New fees for some household waste at recycling sites spark outcry
There has been backlash to the announcement that residents across Bath and North East Somerset are set to be charged for recycling later in May.
From Monday, May 24, residents will have to pay £2 to dispose of a bag of rubble, £4 for a bag of plasterboard and £3.50 for a car tyre.
Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for neighbourhood services said they have seen a “big increase” in the amount of building work waste.
He said that Bath and North East Somerset Council can no longer afford to subsidise the disposal of waste from household alterations and that many councils already have such charges. The announcement, made on Friday (May 7) that the ‘tip tax,’ as it was dubbed in one petition against it, would be coming in has caused mixed reactions.
On the Bath Live Facebook page, some readers have said they hope the charges will not lead to an increase in fly-tipping, which has been a problem for rural communities on the outskirts of Bath and North East Somerset.
Lynn Whittingham commented: “All this is going to do is to encourage fly-tripping .... absolutely ridiculous.”
Zara Williams also said: “A great way to start fly-tipping .... ”
Rob Farrer said: “I thought our council tax paid for that ???? ...unfortunately people will be dumping their rubbish down country lanes even more than they do now .... well done BANES”
Stephen Harris said: “Thanks for turning the countryside into a dump even more.”
Maria Humphries questioned how many residents would actually be affected by the charges. She said: “Apparently, from seeing the posts on other pages, I’m the only person in Bath not regularly taking sinks and tyres to the tip. Trade already pay and if not they should be as the recycling centre is domestic waste only so this will only hit domestic waste.
“I get it’s an extra cost but in reality how many of us and by how much will we be impacted?”
Vanessa Roberts said: “People aren’t able to move house so easily so are making improvements to their homes, why on earth should they have to pay to dispose properly of their waste. I just don’t get why councils make it so difficult for people.”
Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for neighbourhood services said they are keeping the charges as low as possible.
He said: “We’ve seen a big increase recently in the amount of waste from household alterations and building works being brought to our recycling centres. These items aren’t classed as general domestic waste and if we’re to maintain a comprehensive waste service for residents, we can no longer afford to subsidise their disposal for free. We are, however, keeping our charges as low as possible at cost price for disposal.
“The majority of councils across the country already charge for disposing of such items, including Somerset County Council, North Somerset Council and Dorset. It’s really important though that people dispose of their waste responsibly and recycle as much as they can.”
He continued: “Anyone caught flytipping is liable to prosecution with fines of up to £50,000 or five years imprisonment.
“If residents come across waste that’s been fly-tipped it’s important they report it to us, so our Cleansing and Enforcement team can investigate and deal with it promptly or in conjunction with the landowner.
“You can report it online at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/report-it.”