CHARGES for dumping DIY waste at Bracknell's recycling centre are due to come into force at the end of September.

It will soon cost residents to take the likes of rubble, plasterboard, asbestos and soil, classed as non-household waste, to the re3 recycling centre in Longshot Lane as local authorities try to cut costs amid growing budget pressures.

Run as a partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils, the centre will introduce the charges from September 30 onwards just months after bringing in a new permit scheme to restrict usage of the centre solely to residents living in the area.

Bracknell Forest’s executive member for environment Cllr Dorothy Hayes said: "re3 area residents have been assisting us by displaying their recycling centre permits on their windscreens when they visit the centres, and we are now asking them to help us to make essential savings by paying a small charge for the disposal of waste that most people only usually generate from time to time, when renovating or remodelling their homes.

"We are charging just to cover the costs of processing this waste, and are keeping prices at reasonable rates, especially when considering the alternatives like hiring a skip."

Payments to dump waste will be by credit, debit or pre-paid payment card only.

It will remain free to dump other household waste including garden waste, white goods, large and small electrical items, wood, bric-a-brac and bulky waste such as furniture, carpets and mattresses.

Items taken in which are still in good condition are donated to Sue Ryder to fundraise for hospice care.

Also from September 30, residents driving vans or vehicles with large trailers will need to present a permit when visiting recycling centres in Longshot Lane Bracknell and Island Road, Reading amid fears the system is being abused by tradesmen using the system to dump commercial waste for free.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment Cllr Angus Ross said: “It is wrong to ask residents to subsidise trade waste. If a resident uses a contractor who dumps their trade waste at a recycling centre, it means that as a customer they may be paying twice – through their council tax bill and directly to the contractor doing the work to their home.

"We are cracking down on those rogue traders who cost us all money."