New charging scheme to be introduced at household waste recycling centre

A NEW charging scheme for residents disposing of large amounts of construction waste is being introduced at Frodsham’s household waste recycling centre next month.
The charges will also be introduced at other household waste recycling centres across West Cheshire.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is required to provide a place for residents to deposit household waste free of charge. However, waste material from domestic construction work is not classified as household waste and the council has no obligation to accept it.
However, it is recognised that residents rely on the existing service when carrying out small DIY projects.
To ensure everyone can continue receiving this service and avoid having to rent a skip or source another outlet, there will be no charge to residents leaving small amounts of construction waste, up to three bags.
A £3.70 per bag charge to leave four or more bags of construction waste or ceramic items at HWRCs will begin from April 1.
Charges will only apply for construction/DIY materials and not for domestic waste materials.
It is understood that residents will need time to adjust to the changes and that’s why a period of transition will run through April and May where no charges will be applied to residents who turn up at HWRCs unaware of the new charges.
The charges will pay for the cost of processing non-household waste, while still offering a disposal service. (A bag is equivalent to a standard rubble bag from DIY stores, approx. 800m x 600m)
The change is part of a new Waste Management Strategy, agreed in last year which aims to reuse and recycle every item of waste produced in the borough and reduce the amount sent to energy to waste processing and landfill.
Cllr Karen Shore (pictured) , deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “At a time of unprecedented pressure on council budgets, it is necessary to focus resources on statutory services – those which the council is obliged to provide. Waste created from home improvements is not classed as household waste, and we are not required to receive it but we understand its importance to residents, so we want to continue providing this service on a discretionary basis. This will mean we will have to charge for the disposal of larger amounts of waste of more than three bags.
“We continue to face challenges to balance the council’s budgets. This charge is part of the council’s Waste Management Strategy agreed last year and will help us pay for increasing overheads and the cost of disposing of the materials. Charging of this nature is common for many other local authorities in the country. It has been running in neighbouring authority Cheshire East since 2018.
“Residents who do not wish to use the service can consider skip hire or use other licensed waste removal services. We hope the discretionary period in April and May allows residents to become more used to the new charges.”
Where required, staff will provide guidance on site and there will be clear signage indicating the new charging system. No cash will be taken, payment will be by contactless credit or debit card whilst on site before residents dispose of the relevant waste.
For more information: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/waste-and-recycling/find-a-recycling-centre/rubble-charges.aspx