Breakthrough in fight against fly-tipping as recycling centres accept trade waste

For the first time, household waste recycling centres across the Portsmouth area will soon accept trade waste from small to medium-sized businesses.

They will still have to pay a fee, but it is hoped the extra convenience will help to reduce fly-tipping.

Many believe fly-tipping has worsened because of tradesmen dumping rubbish in country lanes rather than paying spiralling costs at commercial waste tips.

The change has been announced as part of a £70m deal with Veolia, which will now run the 26 recycling centres across Hampshire.

The recycling centres were previously run by Hopkins.

The deal is part of Project Integra, a partnership between Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council. But some have warned the changes could be a double-edged sword.

Charges will be introduced for residents bringing DIY materials not classed as household waste – such as soil, rubble, plasterboard and asbestos – and it is feared this could exacerbate fly-tipping.

Kyle Johnson, from Havant, who ran a waste disposal company that he is in the process of winding up, said: ‘I do think it will help the tradesman with the rising costs – like a brickie who has a few bags of rubble. Rubbish can cost a lot of money to get rid of.’

But he was worried the new system could be hard to police.

Mary Jones, who recently reported fly-tipping in Cowplain, welcomed the changes to allow trade waste.

But she did not agree with charges for items like plasterboard.

‘I think considering that we pay council tax, these recycling centres are part and parcel of that,’ she said.

Between 400 and 900 tonnes of trade waste are wrongfully delivered into each recycling centre every year. Lack of awareness and avoiding charges are the main reasons.

The contract with Veolia has been signed for over 14 years.

The service is due to start in April and further details of the changes, including fees, will be released soon.