CONCERNS have been raised that introducing charges at recycling centres could lead to an increase in fly tipping.

Surrey County Council has introduced charges at its community recycling centres (CRCs) for major construction waste.

Residents will be allowed to dump one bag of construction waste for free, but any extra materials to be taken to the dump will cost £4 per bag. The changes were introduced earlier this month. 

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council, councillor Hazel Watson, fears that people will not pay the charges, and it will lead to a spate of fly tipping.

She said: "My main concern is an increase in fly tipping across the county and that is a real blight on the environment. These charges are hugely unpopular among residents and they have been protested ever since these plans were put forward and they don't want these charges to be introduced.

"Residents have already paid their council tax and they don't think it is reasonable for them to have to pay twice. The fear is that people will be unwilling to pay the charge and just dump it in the countryside and we just don't want that to happen."

Waste that will be charged includes tyres from cars and motorbikes, as well as plasterboard, breeze blocks, bricks and rubble.

Soil, stones and ceramic bathroom fittings and tiles are also included.

Residents are allowed one free bag of construction waste per day, and county council cabinet member for environment and planning, Mike Goodman, said most people using the CRCs will not be affected.

He said: “Those doing basic DIY will still be able to use our community recycling centres for free – the charges will only affect residents doing more significant construction work.

“The charges are part of a package which will save the council – and therefore the Surrey taxpayer – £1.8m a year and will enable us to keep accepting construction waste and maintain a full network of recycling centres.

“Some people are concerned there will be a big increase in fly tipping as a result of our changes but I believe those fears are misplaced.

“We’ve looked closely at other councils’ charging schemes and are not expecting to see an increase in fly tipping based on their experiences. Fly tipping is an existing problem which we’re already tackling through stepping up coordinated action with Surrey’s district and borough councils.”

For more information visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/environment-housing-and-planning/waste-and-recycling