A new waste management bill is set to be introduced by the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Waste Partnership (BDR) which could mean up to £14 million extra in charges for taxpayers.
The BDR Waste Partnership, who manage 340,000 tonnes of waste each year, has warned of significant financial pressure due to new environmental regulations.
The new legislation, which is set to be introduced in 2028 under the UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), will require waste plants to pay for their emissions.
Taxpayer Nicola Thompson has suggested that the council should investigate ways to minimise the additional costs, before they increase taxes to fund the problem.
Ms Thompson said: “Councils need to be reviewing their contracts with the BDR or offering out tender, to reduce the cost of service, hopefully doing this would absorb some of the additional costs”.
A couple of 'before' photos today. All cleaned up now. We often get asked if we are on community service to which we promptly reply Yes 🤷♀️ #litter #sheffield #environment #community pic.twitter.com/M9HEpbOUlB
— Sheffield Litter Pickers (@SheffLitterPick) November 8, 2024
Previously waste management plants were not required to pay for their emissions. However under the new legislation this is required, leading to an increase in costs.
Currently, the cost of emissions allowances is about £37 per tonne of waste. However experts have predicted this figure to rise by up to £120 per tonne reaching potential highs of £150 by 2028.
If these costs are passed onto the councils it could lead to a lower budget and increased council tax bills.
This comes just a week after Sheffield City Council announced its plans to raise tax by the maximum 4.99%, starting in April, to fund what they describe as a “difficult financial situation”.
Ms Thompson also questioned whether it’s fair for the BDR to use Taxes to fund the increased charge, stating that they should try to find solutions themselves before they come looking for other sources of funding.
She said: “With them releasing a statement suggesting they want councils/ individuals to pay for the increase in costs, I wonder whether they actually looked internally to see how saving could be made themselves?”
The BDR team is actively exploring strategies to mitigate the impacts of upcoming regulations. However with the new rules scheduled to take effect in 2028, the extent of these measures effectiveness remains uncertain.
Plans are in place for councils to work with government bodies and experts to create a plan to manage costs.