RESIDENTS could have to pay more to get rid of their DIY waste amid tougher rules being proposed for Torr Quarry and Ivybridge Recycling Centres.

Devon County Council is looking at charging for the disposal of all plastic construction and demolition DIY waste instead of just some as it does at the moment.

The size of vehicles and trailers accessing recycling centres across the county would also be limited under the changes.

And the county council plans to slash the amount it currently pays community groups to compost waste.

The county council is currently consulting on the proposed changes, explained the county’s cabinet councillor for the environment Roger Croad.

He said: ‘Minor modifications to the Chargeable Waste Scheme, vehicle restrictions and non acceptable waste policies at county council Household Waste Recycling Centres will reduce confusion and congestion and improve on-site safety.’

And of the cuts to community composting groups he said: ‘We of course want to continue to support community groups but it is hard to justify continuing to pay a higher rate to community groups when the council could manage this waste more cheaply.’

At recycling centres charges currently apply for the disposal - by residents - of a range of Plastic DIY items. To avoid confusion on site it is proposed to extend the charges to include all plastic construction and demolition (DIY) waste.

Also under the proposals, pick up trucks towing trailers and long wheelbase vans in excess of six metres in total length will be excluded. This will reduce congestion on site and the opportunity for traders to try to access the sites illegally.

It is also proposed not to accept heating type oil tanks of all sizes at the sites which will reduce the risk of pollution from oil residues and sludge within the tanks and remove the health and safety issues involved in handling such items on site.

Currently the community composting credit rate varies from £49-£58 per tonne depending on the tonnes composted.

However from April 2017 the council proposes a lower rate with a new contract in line with the national average of £25 per tonne.

People who wish to comment on the changes can visit the consultation pages at https://new.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay before the deadline of Friday, December 23.