Business waste charges increase

Waste charges for small businesses across Rochdale have been increased.

The Waste Disposal Authority has confirmed that although the charge will not be implemented from today (Monday 1 June), as originally planned, they will soon be meeting to make the decision when this starts.

In a letter to businesses, staff at tips said: “From June 1 2009 a change will be introduced at this and all our facilities at which trade waste is accepted. This will mean that you will be charged a minimum price for half a tonne of waste even if your load weighs less.”

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has called the increase a 'disgrace'. “I am disgusted that at a time of recession, waste charges are rocketing," he said. "I have spoken to a small business in Rochdale; they tell me that their monthly charge will go up from £24 a month to £116. This is unacceptable and this heavy-handed approach to charging businesses will inevitably lead to an increase in fly-tipping and may even lead to more businesses folding. It sends out the wrong message and I am calling on the Waste Disposal Authority to look again and reverse this ridiculous policy.

The tip on Entwistle Road has been giving out leaflets advising of the change when in fact it has been suspended.

Prosecutions for fly-tipping in Rochdale have risen dramatically and small businesses face a fine of up to £50000 with a maximum term of imprisonment on conviction of five years if they get caught dumping.