James Evans says it is “an insult” for Powys County Council to charge householders to dispose of DIY waste at recycling centres.

From April 1, Powys residents will need to pay to dispose of DIY waste at any of the council’s five Household Recycling Centres.

Details of the charges are available on the council’s website. Charges vary depending on the material, and payments will need to be made by card at the recycling centre.

James Evans, Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, said it was “yet another charge” coming from the Liberal Democrat/Labour run council.

“To charge householders to dispose of DIY waste is an insult,” he said.

“Residents are paying more and more in council tax payments and getting less and less in return. This is not trade waste or builders’ waste.”

Mr Evans warned the charges could increase fly-tipping and discourage use of recycling centres.

He also criticised the charging structure and rules, labelling them “over-complicated”.

Some materials, such as rubble and soil, and wood and timber, allow one free bag per visit, before incurring a charge of £2.20 per bag and £4.40 per bag respectively. Whereas disposing of materials like insulation will incur a £3 charge from the first bag. Each bag can hold up to 25 litres.

A breakdown of the charges can be found on the council website here.

The council says the charges are not intended to make a profit and have been kept as low as possible

They said the charges ensure they can keep accepting this type of waste and continue operating all five centres five days a week.

From April 1, Powys residents must also book an appointment to use recycling centres, either online or by phone.

Mr Evans said many residents have questioned the council's ability to manage its phone line, citing difficulty contacting the local authority on various matters.

Mr Evans also argued that Powys’ rural nature and vast size are reasons not to impose the booking system.

“For some residents, the journey to the recycling centre is a 40-mile round trip,” he said.

“They could easily miss their appointment slot, due to unforeseen delays like an accident or roadworks.”

Powys County Council says the booking system will reduce congestion and queuing times, make visits easier and less time consuming, and allow staff more time to help visitors who may need advice and/or assistance on site.

Powys County Council has been approached for comment.

Just across the border in Shropshire, the Conservative-led council recently scrapped the booking requirement for cars at recycling centres, just months after it was introduced last November.

The U-turn followed feedback from residents who found the system inconvenient.

The booking system had also been opposed by Shropshire’s Liberal Democrat councillors, who launched a petition against the change.