I UNDERSTAND why dumping is rife.

We replaced a carpet and had the old one to dispose of. We asked Purbeck District Council (PDC) to collect it at our expense and were told they only collected old household furnishings.

We pointed out that carpet was part of household furnishings.

Eventually we were told the PDC would take one roll of carpet for £21.

Small pieces of carpet cannot be rolled up and we had plenty ready in bags.

What is the alternative? Dumping? Or as happened, four visits to the tip in our small car.

As elderly residents this was onerous and unacceptable. The bypass verges are far more accessible.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED, Wareham