FEARS have been expressed that charging Borders businesses up to £875 a year to dispose of trade waste at community recycling centres will lead to an increase in fly tipping.

The Scottish Borders Council permit scheme will be rolled out in Peebles (Eshiels), Eyemouth, Duns and Kelso by the end of this month.

It was introduced in Hawick last week and in Galashiels (Easter Langlee) on Monday.

The service is not available in Selkirk.

Two licences are available to businesses – a permit costing £340 a year for the disposal of paper, cardboard, cans, plastics, scrap metal and wood; and a green, construction and recycling permit costing £875 annually for the additional disposal of green waste, rubble, soil and stones.

At last week’s full council meeting, Councillor Stuart Marshall said he had been approached by several businesses worried about the financial impact of the scheme.

“They are concerned and want to know if these charges will be reviewed,” said Mr Marshall.

And he asked Councillor David Paterson, executive member for environmental services, for reassurance the scheme would not result in more fly-tipping across the region.

Mr Paterson reminded him the policy had been approved by the council in a bid to expand the existing range of services available for local companies.
“Businesses have a duty to store, transport and dispose of their business waste without harming the environment,” said Mr Paterson.

“Opening recycling centres to small traders will provide a cost effective and legislatively compliant means of achieving this, while ensuring the council recovers its costs.

“The majority of Scottish councils already allow traders access to their recycling centres and there is clear evidence of a demand for the service in the Borders.”

Mr Paterson conceded the permit scheme was “not without risk” but added: “It is important to recognise that fly tipping is an illegal activity which this council strongly condemns, but it is not a justifiable reason for not introducing this service charge.

“I can confirm the issue of fly tipping has been discussed in detail and it is considered that the existing processes are adequate to deal with this matter, although the situation will be monitored regularly and action taken where necessary.”

Mr Paterson said a member of council staff would “engage with traders” over the coming weeks in a bid to maximise the take up of the permit scheme.

And he gave an assurance the operation of scheme would be reviewed after three months.