Highland recycling centres could stop accepting larger amounts of construction and demolition waste

Councillors are to consider changes to recycling and bulky uplift policies as a chash-saving initiative that would take effect from November.

The measure to impose restrictions on the amount of such material which can be taken to the authority’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) has been proposed despite fears such changes could lead to an increase in incidents of fly-tipping.

Highland Council operates 21 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the region and the amount of such material received has been rising in recent years. In 2007/08 there was 24,000 tonnes of residual waste and construction and demolition material and by 2017/18 this had risen to 36,000 tonnes – costing a whopping £2.4 million in handing and treatment costs.

Members of the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee are set to look at possible policy changes on Thursday.

Officers are recommending limiting quantities of construction waste accepted to amounts that might be generated through minor DIY activities, as well as amending the bulky uplift policy to including charging for more items, such as bathroom suites, doors and kitchen units

According to the report, which will be presented at the meeting, it is hoped the move could save the council £300,000 over the next two financial years.

However, the report also identifies an increased risk of fly-tipping of construction waste and tyres.

The report added: “This will be monitored, with remedial action taken if required.”

Construction waste includes soil, stone, rubble, brick, concrete, tiles, plasterboard, timber and pipework.

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