Bulky uplift charges could be tripled
Council chiefs insist the fees are too low.
Charges for bulky uplifts could potentially be tripled by Dumfries and Galloway Council – just months after council tax rose by 9 percent.
Residents are set to be hit in the pocket again after council chiefs called for a price hike over the bulk uplifts.
They insist that the fees are too low compared to other Scottish local authorities, and argue that increased cost will also encourage more recycling and donating of goods to charities.
However, the move is also being seen as a money-spinner as calculations show that it could potentially double the council’s six-figure income for providing this service.
Currently, residents are charged £15.63 for a council collection of one to three items.
However, a three-item pick-up could cost as much as £45 under various pricing options being considered.
Councillors will discuss revised charges at the council’s economy and infrastructure committee next Tuesday.
A report on the issue produced by Alan Mawson, the council’s interim head of facilities, waste and neighbourhood services, states: “Through bench marking with other local authorities across Scotland, the average charge for bulky uplifts is approximately £34.99 per bulky household uplift, for White goods the average cost of £47.06.
“The current uplift charge’s low cost can negatively impact the re-use options available through charities.
“Imposing a reasonable charge may support charitable sectors and move waste up the waste hierarchy to reuse.”
With increased charges, council bosses expect that there would be a reduction in bulky uplift requests from residents.
They estimate uplifts would drop by 10 percent or 15 percent if price hikes were implemented.
The current 2025/26 fees charged for bulky uplift in Dumfries and Galloway Council is: £15.63 for a collection of one to three items; £31.25 for four to six items; and £46.89 for seven to nine items.
Last year there were 5,800 bulky uplifts, with over 17,400 items collected, providing an average of three items per lift.
This generated £110,200 for the local authority – and increase of nearly £21,000 on the previous year.
However, it has been calculated that the council could significantly increase income to between £190,000 and £222,000 through increased charges – event with a 10 or 15 percent reduction in demand.
Three options, which are due to be considered by councillors at next Tuesday’s committee, are as follows: Option 1: First item – £23.50, second item – additional £10, subsequent items – £5 each (three item cost – £38.50).
Option 2: First item – £30, second item – additional £5, subsequent items – £5 each (three item cost – £40).
Option 3: First item – £35, second item – additional £5, subsequent items – £5 each (three item cost – £45).