Price of disposing of DIY waste at recycling centres to rise
First increase for dealing with chargeable items for six years will begin on 1 April 2023
The cost to customers of disposing of DIY and other chargeable waste at Oxfordshire’s recycling centres will rise next month.
While most items brought to Oxfordshire County Council’s seven household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) can be left free of charge, DIY waste – items such as rubble, soil, fence panels, work tops and sinks – is legally classified as industrial waste and incurs a small charge.
From 1 April, all items currently charged at £1.50 will now cost £2. This covers most waste generated through home and garden renovations, including loft insultation, guttering, decking and fitted furniture. A list is available on the council’s website.
The cost of disposing of bags of plasterboard will rise from £2.50 to £3.50, tyres from £5 to £6, but plasterboard sheets will remain at £10.
Councillor Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Although we are not legally obliged to accept these items, we like to provide this service as it gives residents a cost-effective way of disposing of their own DIY waste. It’s a cheaper alternative to hiring a skip or a commercial waste collector when dealing with small amounts of waste.
“This is the first time the prices to the public have risen since 2017, despite our own disposal costs increasing. Our prices remain some of the lowest in the country and the money raised goes directly towards offsetting the cost of recycling, treating and disposing of this waste and operating our HWRCs.”
Cash is not accepted, so visitors are asked to ensure they can pay electronically before travelling. If you are unable to pay for items, you will not be permitted to deposit them.
Regrettably, site teams are regularly abused while taking these charges. This will not be tolerated and may lead to refusal of entry and even banning orders. The council asks member of the public to be courteous to staff at all times.
Commercial waste cannot be disposed at the HWRCs. This includes any waste generated by businesses, landlords or charities. Waste also becomes commercial waste where payment is made for the work. Details about how to dispose with this waste can also be found on the council’s website.
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