The Government has proposed banning local authorities from charging for the disposal of DIY waste from households.

Currently, around a third of local authorities charge for the disposal of waste such as plasterboards, bricks and bath units.

Under the new proposals, such charges would be banned.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has argued this would help reduce the number of fly-tipping incidents.

Environment minister Jo Churchill said: ‘I want to make sure that recycling and the correct disposal of rubbish is free, accessible and easy for householders.

'No one should be tempted to fly-tip or turn to waste criminals and rogue operators.'

But chair of the waste board at the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport, Steve Palfrey, said:  'This is not the answer and is simply one that councils cannot afford to bear.'

Environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, David Renard, insisted councils were ‘best placed to decide what works best for their areas'.

He said: ‘The disposal of non-household waste, such as DIY waste and tyres, is a non-statutory duty.

'As a result, some councils have had to introduce charges for this waste due to the rising costs of providing the service and the financial pressure they are under.

‘Money raised from charges goes back into services so councils can continue to offer disposal facilities for these materials to residents, who would otherwise find them difficult to get rid of and will ensure that the system is not abused by those seeking to dispose of trade waste for free.'