The government changed the rules around DIY waste disposal in England last year, but millions of people have still been turned away from local recycling centres
UK households are gearing up for a significant overhaul in the way they handle DIY waste, as charges are scrapped.
Yet, despite this positive step aimed at boosting eco-friendly disposal practices and tackling fly-tipping, thousands still find themselves turned away from local tips. The rules revision rolled out last year under the previous Conservative government means that since January 2024, English councils must accept small-scale DIY waste without charge. specifically up to the equivalent of two 50 litre bags of rubbish.
Even with these changes, over six million people were denied entry at their local dump according to insurance firm Churchill. The company’s research indicates that some councils continue to decline specific types of DIY debris, including rubble, kitchen units and plasterboard.
Sarah Khan, head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: “Local authority waste and recycling centres are a vital resource for households, particularly those doing DIY and home improvements. The government changed to rules in England to stop charging for DIY waste disposal, in an effort to reduce fly tipping.”
New research has shed light on the unexpected costs that many homeowners encounter when attempting to discard what they consider to be DIY waste at their local recycling centres. When the policy chance happened, recycling minister Robbie Moore announced: “We have delivered on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for people making home improvements to get rid of their waste properly.”
He added: “Removing charges for DIY waste at council recycling centres will help New Year home improvement projects become a reality and ensure that those disposing of waste responsibly aren’t being penalised for doing so.”
This move to waive fees is part of a broader Government strategy aimed at combating waste crime and fly-tipping, an issue believed to be draining £924m annually from England’s economy, reports Birmingham Live.
