Review of scheme to charge for Bulky Collections

The introduction of charges for bulky uplifts in April 2009 to increase levels of re-use and recycling resulted in an income generation of £71,500 in the first year of operation as well as an 88% reduction in requests and increased recycling.

The total number of requests in 2009-10 was 5,650, compared to 48,751 requests in 2008-09. 

Concerns that fly tipping might increase because of charging did not materialise as the number of fly tipping incidents recorded by the Council during 2009-10 decreased by 172 to 2,286.  Many incidents of fly tipping involve materials, which are not eligible for collection under the Council’s scheme. 

At the same time, there has been a significant increase in the use of recycling centres and greater recycling. 

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee, said:  “The reduction in the number of requests for bulky uplifts has allowed the service to reorganise the way in which bulky items are collected.  This provides a more robust health and safety environment for our staff, saves money and offers the prospect of recycling more of the waste that is collected.” 

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