Lib Dem Campaign Success as Bulky Waste Charge Scrapped

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed news that the Bulky Waste Charge in Leeds is set to be scrapped. Residents will no longer be charged when they arrange for the council to pick up large household items that can't be put in the bin.

Cllr Jonathan Bentley, Lib Dem deputy leader on Leeds City Council, hailed the victory: "The Labour-run council introduced a charge for residents to have bulky household waste collected. Every time we have suggested getting rid of the charge, Labour have voted against it. I'm pleased that the council has finally seen sense."

Leeds has among the highest rates of fly-tipping in the country. According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), there were 26,079 fly-tipping incidents reported to Leeds City Council in 2019-20 - one incident almost every 20 minutes. The total number of fly-tipping incidents recorded was 32.9 per 1,000 people - the highest rate in the whole of the Yorkshire & the Humber region.

Cllr Chris Howley (Lib Dem, Weetwood ward) added: "After many years of Lib Dems fighting to get rid of the Bulky Waste Charge, we have finally secured a victory for common sense. Residents will no longer have to pay to dispose of large household items and we shall hopefully now see a reduction in fly-tipping".

At last year's full council budget meeting the Lib Dems also put forward several other suggestions, including scrapping the DIY tax, and introducing kerbside glass recycling and separate food waste collection. However, these amendments were all downvoted by the ruling Labour majority. The national government has since stated its intention to make household glass collection a legal requirement by 2024, meaning the council could be compelled to bring in a kerbside collection.

Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) commented:

“My Lib Dem colleagues and I have been campaigning for sensible waste and recycling policies for years, and Labour have consistently opposed our recommendations. It’s pleasing that the Bulky Waste Charge will be scrapped, and the council might now be forced to introduce a separate collection for glass recycling too."