THE Dorset Waste Partnership is at odds with the government over charges for DIY waste.

It comes following clarification from the Department for Communities and Local Government on its policy for what items local authorities can charge householders for disposing.

The department is examining the fees charged by other local authorities around the country for disposal of waste.

But confusion has arisen over the disposal of DIY waste.

Dorset Waste Partnership covers areas including Christchurch and East Dorset, Purbeck and West Dorset.

A spokesman for the department said: “We’re determined to boost recycling and that’s why we’ve brought in legislation to stop councils charging residents for household waste.

“Guidance is clear that should include any household waste from DIY.”

The spokesman added: “Councils can charge for disposal of construction and demolition waste at HWRCs. However, DIY waste generated by householders should be disposed of without a charge.”

Dorset Waste Partnership were asked to clarify the position in the county, where there are charges for bricks, slates, tiles, rubble, paving slabs, concrete, hardcore, ceramic toilets, sinks, pedestals and baths and glass from windows and doors.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “Charges for certain items were brought in at our household recycling centres (HRCs) in order to make savings for essential public services. We believe that this approach complies with law and is consistent with advice issued by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

“Waste from construction and demolition is not household waste, but industrial waste and so a charge can be imposed. Examples are rubble, concrete, bricks and soil from landscaping.

“In this time of extensive cuts to council funding from central government, modest HRC charges allow us to continue providing an unrestricted service without having to make further reductions and closures elsewhere.”

Cllr Tony Alford, chairman of the Dorset Waste Partnership’s joint committee, said the charges reflect the difference between, for instance, ‘a big bag of rubble and some cleaning or decorating materials’.

He added that if, for instance, a householder was to carry out a major DIY project, such as knocking down a wall, this is not an everyday activity, and there would be a charge at the household recycling centre for getting rid of the rubble.

But the Department for Communities and Local Government disagrees.

A spokesman said their policy states that if the DIY project is carried out by the householder, the local authority must dispose of it free of charge. Only if a professional workman is carrying out the project should there be charges.

The spokesman said: “If the work is being carried out by a professional, then it comes under construction or demolition waste and local authorities may charge for disposing of that.

“This policy has been in place for some time, but the issue came to light as a result of what happened in Bury and there are quite a few local authorities charging for DIY waste. Our officials will be speaking to the relevant authorities to clarify the position.”