Fees to dispose of DIY waste at recycling centres could soon be scrapped in England under plans to crackdown on fly-tipping.
At present, existing legislation means that any rubbish that is generated as a result of DIY, which includes shed or fence panels, tiles, plasterboard, paving slabs, and more, is classed as being industrial waste, even if produced at home, and this means that local councils in England and Wales are not responsible for providing free disposal points.
In 2015, the government banned charges on local residents disposing of household rubbish at household waste centres.
And while guidance made clear that this includes DIY household waste, some local councils and authorities are still able to charge for certain types of DIY material, under rules designed for construction waste.
These fees linked to disposing of DIY waste at recycling centres across the country is said to be a contributor to fly-tipping and the rise in incidents over the past two years that have occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with official figures showing that more than one million fly-tipping incidents have been recorded by local authorities in 2021.
Fees to dispose of DIY waste at recycling centres could soon be scrapped / Credit: GMCA
Now, a consultation launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is proposing scrapping charges for getting rid of such waste
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s hoped that this could deter people from the need to fly-tip.
Although different councils charge people different amounts for getting rid of DIY waste, the government believes its plans could save households as much as £10 per item.
The consultation documents read: “The government believes householders should not be charged to dispose of DIY waste… and we are proposing changes to allow householders to deposit DIY waste for free.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This will reduce the potential risk of fly-tipping, littering and backyard burning which create additional costs for local authorities and causes environmental issues.”
The consultation is being held online and runs until 4 July.
Featured Image – Pixabay
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2022 
