Islanders disposing of larger amounts of DIY waste at the Isle of Wight’s Household Waste Recycling Centres will have to pay from today (Monday), as controversial new charges come into force amid opposition from residents.
The new charging system takes effect today (Monday) at Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh, although residents will still be able to dispose of limited quantities of DIY waste free of charge.
The changes were approved as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s budget in February 2026.
Each household can dispose of 2x 50-litre rubble sacks per visit free of charge, up to 4 times in any 4-week period. Charges will apply once that allowance has been exceeded.
For rubble and hardcore, including bricks, tiles and ceramics, an additional 50-litre sack will cost £4. A small load of up to 4 sacks will cost £15, while a large load equivalent to a car boot or trailer will cost £30.
Plasterboard will have a 50-litre free allowance, with a standard sheet measuring up to 2.4m x 1.2m costing £5 and a half sheet or bagged equivalent costing £3.
Additional 50-litre bags of soil and subsoil will cost £4, while a bulk load equivalent to a car boot will cost £25.
Mixed construction waste will cost £5 for each additional 50-litre equivalent, £20 for a small load and £35 for a large load.
Small household quantities of wood within the free allowance will remain free, with larger DIY volumes charged at £10 per load. The free allowance covers a total of 50 litres of DIY waste and not 50 litres of each different material.
General household rubbish and recycling are unaffected.
All visits to dispose of DIY waste must be booked online in advance, with payment for chargeable waste required before it is accepted.
Waste generated through contractor-led work, major renovations or brought to a recycling centre by a third party can also be considered commercial waste.
The Isle of Wight Council has previously said the charges are not a money-making exercise and will instead cover the cost of providing the service.
Natasha Dix, Service Director for Waste, Environment and Planning, has previously said:
“Most residents only generate small amounts of DIY waste and will still be able to dispose of this free of charge.
“The changes mean the cost of disposing of larger amounts of construction waste is paid by those using the service most, helping us maintain the service for all residents.”
However, some Islanders remain unhappy about the changes, with hundreds backing a petition calling for the charges to be reversed.
The Change.org petition, launched by Isle of Wight business owner Daniel Moss, argues that many residents carry out their own DIY because they cannot afford contractors and that relatively modest projects could generate more waste than the free allowance permits.
Campaigners have also raised concerns that charging for DIY waste could encourage fly-tipping.
The petition calls for the charges to be scrapped or for alternatives to be considered, including a larger free allowance, a monthly free quota, exemptions for essential home repairs and a full public consultation.
Despite the opposition, the new charging system is now in force at both of the Isle of Wight’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.
The petition can be found here.
