estimated £750,000 annual cost of dealing with construction and demolition waste (inert waste),
which includes soil, rubble and plasterboard, was implemented on 1st June 2015.
The council is bringing in a permit system to limit how much construction and demolition waste
people can dispose of for free at our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), with charges
being applied for any extra. Residents have been able to apply for a permit since 1 April to be
ready for the new system, which begins on 1 June.
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) allow people to recycle and dispose of normal household waste free of charge, which is a statutory duty for all waste disposal authorities. The new policy does not change this. However the current service also allows unlimited free disposal of inert waste including rubble, soil and plasterboard, amongst others, which is not a statutory duty.
Inert waste makes up over 30% of the total waste arising at the HWRCs in Lancashire. This amount is significantly higher than that received by other equivalent authorities in the United Kingdom and without this new policy it is forecast to increase further. We have conducted research as to the policies and procedures that other local authorities employ in respect of inert waste. The majority of authorities already limit or charge for this waste type, many without the flexibility of service that we will still be offering in Lancashire.
- The new policy allows each household in Lancashire to deliver the equivalent of a quarter of a tonne of inert waste free of charge every year.
- To access the free service, householders will need to obtain a permit in advance of their visit through Lancashire Online or via our customer contact centre. There is no charge for the permit.
- The permit will require only one application and can be used in one visit or as required throughout the year.
- The free permit allows you to dispose of up to ten 25kg bags (or equivalent items such as a toilet or a sink) of inert waste a year without charge. A charge of £3.50 per 25kg bag or equivalent item will be applied for any further inert waste, or for any inert waste delivered without a permit. Permits are valid for a calendar year, or until the free allowance has been used.
- Importantly, the county council will continue to provide free disposal of a reasonable amount of inert waste with residents still able to dispose of waste arising from small scale DIY and gardening projects without charge after applying for a permit.
- The new policy does not affect any other form of waste received at our HWRCs, including hazardous waste, such as asbestos, tyres or gas bottles, which will continue to be free to dispose of.
The Council has already begun communicating with residents about the changes. This has included press releases, banners at the HWRCs and distribution of leaflets at the HWRCs to all customers (20,000+ distributed to date).
There may be some concern, as there has been with other changes to our HWRC services in recent times, that the policy may result in fly tipping. However our experience is that there is little evidence to suggest that fly tipping occurs as a direct result of HWRC policies. Most householders are law abiding citizens who deal with their waste responsibly.
The County Council will continue working with our district council partners, irrespective of this policy, to monitor fly tipping and help to catch and prosecute those responsible.
APPLYING FOR A PERMIT
Online: www.lancashire.gov.uk/waste
By phone: 0300 123 6781
By post: Waste Management Group, County Hall, Preston, PR1 0LD
Enquiries: wasteinfo@lancashire.gov.uk
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