MORE details have been released about new charges that will be introduced at tips across Leeds next month.

As previously reported in connection with Ellar Ghyll recycling centre, at Menston, Leeds City Council is bringing in charges for 'inert waste'.

The term covers items associated with trade waste like soil and rubble, plasterboard and tyres.

The council say the new fees, which will take effect from Monday, February 5 will help it save about £240,000 a year.

The move didn't go down well in the Otley area when it was announced, with councillors and residents voicing concerns that it could cause an upsurge in fly-tipping.

The city council's Wast Management department, however, insists such fears are unfounded.

A letter sent from the department to ward councillors also spells out the reason for bringing in the charges.

It says: "These wastes are not classed as ‘household waste’ under the relevant legislation since they are more construction type wastes consisting of the very fabric of a household, rather than arising from the activities of a household.

"There is not, therefore, a duty for the council to accept these wastes from residents free of charge.

"Charging for these wastes on recycling sites has been adopted by many councils across the country, including a number of our neighbouring authorities.

"One of the main concerns raised (by residents in a consultation last year) was that this could lead to an increase in fly-tipping.

"However, the available evidence and our benchmarking with other authorities has not identified that such schemes result in increases in fly-tipping.

"It should also be remembered that trade waste is already prohibited at our sites.

"Fly-tipping is a serious offence and we do not believe significant numbers of Leeds residents will resort to illegal activity as a result of the introduction of modest charges for these occasional wastes."

The prices, which the council says have been calculated based on recovering the estimated operational, administrative and disposal costs, will include:

* £2.60 for up to one 25 litre bag, or equivalent, of soil or rubble

* £4.80 for one 25 litre bag of plasterboard, or £2 for one sheet of plasterboard up to 180cm x 90cm

*£1.50 per tyre, though all single items will carry a £2.60 charge.

Payments will be able to be made by debit or credit card.