RURAL businesses have welcomed the dropping of charges for non-commercial waste at Hampshire recycling centres.

From January 1 charges to dispose of DIY waste at council tips will be removed, in a bid to reduce fly-tipping.

The charges, at the county council-operated facilities, have been widely blamed for the increase in fly-tipping by roadsides and on farmland across Hampshire.

Victoria Vyvyan, president of Country Land and Business Association, said: “This is good news for those residents who use recycling centres where local authorities still charge, and also for farmers who end up bearing the brunt of illegal fly-tipped materials dumped on their land.

“There are one million incidents of fly-tipping reported every year, and it has a massive impact on the environment, wildlife, and crops as well as on the farmers who have to pay to clear it up. Making it cheaper and easier for people to get rid of their waste means they will be less likely to dump it illegally, but the police must also deal with the criminal gangs making money by dumping waste.

“We should be making it as simple as possible for people to dispose of rubbish and unwanted items responsibly, so the removal of any cost barriers is welcome.”

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses.