PROPOSALS to introduce charges for waste collections at certain types of premises, from charity shops to nursing homes, in West Devon was agreed by borough councillors last week.

At West Devon Borough Council's community services committee meeting, councillors heard how a waste disposal charge could be in effect from April 1, as Devon County Council, being the waste disposal authority, will introduce a waste disposal charge where Controlled Waste Regulations (CWR) 2012 allows.

In a report to the councillors, it stated that as the waste collection authority, West Devon Borough Council has not, in the past, charged certain premises for collection of waste which has been incorporated in to domestic waste.

But in light of new regulations, to ensure a fair and consistent approach, and in order to ensure that the council recovers costs for services provided, it was proposed that charges are introduced for collection of such waste — mirroring the policy changes of the county council.

This could see charges for disposal of waste from premises classed as household waste — including waste from a charity shop which collects or sells donated products from a non-domestic origin, waste from a residential or care home, and waste from a hospital or nursing home.

Plus under the new regulations, some premises have been re-classified as commercial waste and both collection and disposal charges are now in effect. Included in the re-classification are premises occupied by a club society, premises occupied a charity used for charitable purposes, self-catering holiday accommodation and camping and caravan sites.

Councillors heard how charges for waste disposal will create income if those affected choose to continue to receive collection.

Jane Savage, waste development and contracts manager for West Devon Borough Council, said in the report: 'This is difficult to quantify until responses are received from affected premises as to whether they will require collections post April 2014 and because charges will be set on an individual basis — it is likely that some affected premises will choose to employ private contractors.

'Additional operating costs and administration of the scheme will be kept at a minimum by sharing current systems available within the South Hams commercial waste service.'

Cllr Robert Sampson, vice chairman of community services and lead member for waste at West Devon Borough Council, said: 'The new regulations do reclassify waste from some premises as business waste.

'Where this affects individual premises, like campsites and self-catering holiday accommodation, the borough council will be in touch with some clear guidance about what to do next.

'The new guidance does ensure a consistent approach can be adopted for those premises affected and potentially might encourage some premises to rethink how their waste is managed.'

Councillors voiced their concerns over the effect these changes could have to charity shops in the area.

Jane Savage explained that before new changes are put into place leaflets will be handed out to places affected to explain how best to recycle to reduce their waste disposal output.

Of the proposed scheme, she said: 'This is a practical way forward — the scheme won't create a huge change but it will provide a consistent approach!'

Councillors approved the recommendation that the proposed changes of waste disposal will commence soon after April 1.

• The decision was due to be ratified by the full council.