West Fife Councillor says Free bulky uplifts will tackle fly-tipping

A West Fife Councillor has welcomed the decision by Fife Labour Council to remove charges for bulky uplifts from this April.

Cllr. Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour Councillor for West Fife & Coastal Villages, said that the move will tackle the blight of fly-tipping, reduce pressure on recycling centres and help residents struggling with the cost of living crisis.

About 14,200 bulky uplifts take place each year in Fife, with almost 35,000 items collected over 2021/22, such as couches and mattresses that are too big to fit into a wheeled bin and cannot be transported to a recycling centre.

The pledge to abolish the charge sees Fife Labour fulfil one of its key election pledges from the election in May 2022.

Cllr. Downie says that fly-tipping is a particular problem in rural parts of Fife, with more verges and unmonitored space making it easier for people to dump things at the side of the road.

Commenting on the announcement, Cllr. Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour Councillor for West Fife & Coastal Villages said:

“It is fantastic news that Fife Labour is delivering on one of our key manifesto pledges to reduce the blight of fly-tipping in rural areas by abolishing the charge for bulky uplifts.”

“I have seen fly-tipping across West Fife since I was elected and in rural areas with woodland near the road or lay-bys this has been a particular problem and I am hopeful that this move will help tackle that problem.”

“People should continue to use the excellent recycling facilities where possible but this move will really help with items that are too large or for people who have no means to transport items to a recycling centre.”

Bulky uplifts will continue to be ordered online via www.fife.gov.uk/bulkyuplift and the current points system will continue to be used. Uplifts will be scheduled on a first come first served basis and 180 booking slots will be available on a daily basis to manage demand across Fife. The list of items that can be uplifted will remain the same and black bag landfill material will continue to be accepted.