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LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

Government plans to ban DIY waste fees in England, but councils warn of higher costs for households

The government plans to ban fees for disposing of DIY waste in England, with the goal of reducing fly-tipping.

21 June 2023 · 19:33 UTC

However, councils have warned that this could result in higher costs for all households and could cost some councils over £1 million per year.

The Local Government Association (LGA) stated that the costs would be passed on to households, including those who do not have a car or cannot carry out building works.

The LGA's environment spokesman also suggested that manufacturers should contribute to the costs of clearing up by providing more take-back services for items like furniture.

The government believes that the change will reduce fly-tipping, which costs the economy an estimated £924 million per year in England.

However, the LGA stated that evidence does not show a link between charges and fly-tipping.

The waste management industry supports the measure.

In 2015, the government already banned charges for household waste at household waste centres.