As we approach the 1st April 2025, the Lib Dem/Labour run Powys CC have now released details on their booking system for recycling centres and the charges for DIY waste materials. PCC website states “you must book a timeslot to visit any of our recycling centres. This can be done quickly and easily online or over the phone.” Powys CC’s ability to run this phone line has been questioned by many residents who struggle to contact Powys County Council on various matters at the moment. There will also be charges for do-it-yourself materials, with each category having different charges and different requirements.
James Evans MS said:
“This is yet another charge coming from the Lib Dem/Labour run Powys County Council. To charge householders to dispose of DIY waste is an insult. Residents are paying more and more in Council tax payments and getting less and less in return. This is not trade waste or builders waste. This is going to lead to more fly-tipping, more burning of waste – charging will not encourage people to go to their local recycling centre.
“Taking their example of fitted furniture – you can take 1 bag (up to 25 litres) for free but after that, charges start at £4.40 per bag! Insulation is charged at £3 per bag but with no first free bag. If you take loose material, it will be charged at an estimated number of bags. The charging structure and rules for each category are over-complicated. Payments will be by card only.
“The Lib Dem/Labour run Powys County Council should look at evidence from England. When charging for DIY materials was in place, there was a surge in fly-tipping activity. As a result, the Conservative Government on the 1st January 2024 scrapped the charges for disposing of small-scale DIY waste at council recycling centres across England, making it simpler and easier to recycle.
“For some residents, the journey to the recycling centre is a 40-mile round trip. They could easily miss their appointment slot due to unforeseen delays like an accident/roadworks. I urge the Lib Dems to reconsider these plans and take a look at the U-turn seen in Shropshire, where they have dropped the appointment slots for cars and kept it only for trailers and trade waste.”
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