Farcical

I write regarding the recycling charges at Port Solent household recycling centre.

I visited with five bags of waste – two containing stones and three containing old turf with no stones.

I asked where should I put the bags and what would be the cost. I was told as the turf may have stones – there weren’t any– that it cost £2.50 per bag! I’m a public-minded person but I believe waste costs need serious review based on the following; who determines the fee? Even a very small bag or bucket of brick/stone is charged £2.50. Given the waste bin is 5×2×1.5m cubed, it would take hundreds of bags to fill. Why is there NO weighing device and, most importantly, why are the operatives so passive/aggressive? I have previously taken up this matter with my local councillor, who took it to Hampshire County Council, who said as a unitory authority Portsmouth City Council set their own rules. Yes, I have spoken with PCC and, yes, they couldn’t care less. I feel the system in place is open to abuse and most certainly is not in the residents’ best interests. I am also of the view that such practice only leads to flytipping by disgruntled residents. If you would like to experience the above, take just a small amount of brick or stones or ceramics and see for yourself. Oh, and don’t expect a receipt unless you specifically ask for one.

My last visit cost £12.50, and whilst there I witnessed many residents handing over a great deal of money.

Many drove off, refusing to pay what they were told to.

A simple solution: All chargeable waste should be by weight, and receipts issued.

The whole situation is farcical, and PCC need to answer some serious questions in regards such practice. Not, as I was told, ‘it’s under contract and there is nothing we can do.’ Name and address withheld