Fly-tipping fear after clampdown at Bristol recycling centres

Restrictions at recycling sites in Bristol will lead to an increase in fly-tipping, opposition politicians have claimed.

People using centres at St Phillips and Avonmouth must now prove they live in the city and face weekly waste limits.

Conservative Chris Windows questioned where the displaced waste would end up.

The ruling Liberal Democrats said the changes will reduce congestion at the sites and bring them in line with neighbouring authorities.

'Heavy-handed'

Councillor Gary Hopkins (Lib Dem), who is responsible for waste services, said Bristol residents had been stopped from using the adjacent recycling centres.

He said: "What had been a free exchange had become a one-way street and we've had to stop that - it was much easier when we had the two-way traffic but that's been stopped.

"We've also had commercial builders who have their own facilities but instead of using those some have been trying to smuggle waste in through the free service provided for domestic customers."

Mr Windows, who represents Henbury and Brentry, said a blanket ban on letting people outside the city use the tips, is too heavy-handed.

"Cross border fly-tipping is already taking place and it is going to get worse," he said.

"The council is supposed to be on the side of the people and I'm afraid this doesn't look this way."

He added: "Where does Gary [Hopkins] think this waste is going to end up if it is not going to a recycling centre?"