I am writing in response to Mary Shorter’s letter concerning bulky item collections and fly-tipping.

First of all, there is absolutely no excuse for fly-tipping and there certainly is no evidence to link bulky item collection charges to fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping has been a problem in our borough long before the introduction of bulky item collection charges, many authorities do offer a free service and still have to tackle fly-tipping.

Items such as furniture, white goods, and TVs can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre free of charge (located in Cholmley Way in the Stainsacre Lane Industrial Estate).

You could also donate good quality unwanted items to your local charity shop or give them to friends or family for reuse.

There are also lots of online options, such as Freecycle or eBay, to help you pass on your unwanted items to others.

Even if you think your item is passed its best, there is always someone who will find a use.

Finally, the council is not profiting from recycling.

The recycling scheme was costly to put in place, however, we will see the scheme pay for itself over time as we avoid heavy land-fill allowance tax by increasing recycling and reducing the waste we deposit in land-fill.