A LIBERAL Democrat councillor is hoping that a trial for free bulky waste collections - in a bid to reduce the number of fly-tipping incidents which have hit a decade-long high - will begin in the coming months.
The Chronicle revealed last week that a total of 5,932 reports were logged in 2024/25 - higher than the previous year’s 5,220 and more than any annual total since 2015/16.
The cost of collecting and disposing of illegally dumped waste rose sharply to £429,397 during the same period, an increase of more than £130,000 on the previous year.
Last September, the Liberal Democrat group tabled a motion to the council to offer free bulky waste collection in a bid to stop fly-tipping across the town.
They said that the introduction in some areas of the borough has the potential to reduce the number of items being dumped on streets, therefore saving money on clearing fly-tipping.
It was decided that a cost-benefit analysis which would compare the potential savings from reduced fly-tipping against the reduced income from introducing a free two-item bulky waste collection service would take place.
Coun Chris Wray, who represents the Dodworth ward, told the Chronicle that the findings of the study are set to be revealed - and he’s hopeful the scheme will be launched in the coming months.
He told the Chronicle: “Last year, we brought forward a motion to look at bulky waste collection and how altering that may become a way of reducing fly-tipping.
“The reality is that the more barriers people face, the more likely they are to take the easy way out.
“We need to remove barriers.
“We are pleased that our motion passed last year, and in discussions with officers, we are aware that the findings of the study will be brought forward within a month or two.
“What we hope is that a trial will happen, and areas impacted will benefit from a new way of thinking in an area that simply isn’t improving.”
One of those areas is Kingstone, where Coun Steve Bullcock has been working tirelessly to support residents.
He added: “One of the key issues I was elected on is fly-tipping, and it is something we Lib Dems have been very successful at tackling and getting removed.
“Unfortunately, figures show that Kingstone is the biggest location for fly-tipping in the borough, with over 1,500 reported cases in the period shown, almost 25 per cent.
“In the second spot was the Central ward, another location just outside of the town centre.
“The issue remains that with only 32 fines issued, roughly one for every two hundred reports, it isn’t seen as a deterrent.
“While we appreciate any action taken, and especially the hard work of the team removing the fly-tipping, it’s forward thinking and preventative measures that are needed
“Love Where You Live initiatives singularly will not solve the problem.”
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and transport, added: “We're currently working on the report linked to last year’s amended motion on bulky waste collections.
“We'll be in a position to provide an update once the report is published.
“We remain committed to exploring ways to make bulky waste disposal as accessible as possible for residents while supporting wider efforts to reduce fly‑tipping.
“This work also aligns with activity through Love Where You Live and the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Waste Partnership to promote safe and responsible disposal."
