THE rollout of a £40 garden waste permit is set to take place in Renfrewshire in July amid concerns the charge could lead to a rise in fly-tipping.

The finer details of the scheme, which formed part of the SNP-led council’s budget in March, have been published in a report.

A date of Monday, July 10, has been earmarked for its introduction but households can apply from Thursday, May 25.

The change means residents who want their garden waste collected will need a valid permit displayed on their brown bin.

Any bin presented with garden waste inside that does not have one will not be lifted after what has been described as a “period of education and support”.

The information has been outlined in a report to Wednesday’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, which confirmed it is intended for the cost to be £40 per brown bin.

However, there is no need for a permit for those presenting just food waste in the brown bin – since its uplift is a statutory requirement for councils.

The scheme will offer an exemption to payment for householders entitled to full council tax reduction or with a severe mental impairment.

Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour environment spokesperson, said: “I think this policy has the potential to increase the instances of fly-tipping.

“The list of exemptions is also quite narrow, so we will see what they say at the board meeting.

“Additionally, as it’s not being implemented until July and the payment is for the period April to March, there must surely be a discount rate for the first year.

“It’s a one-off payment – £40 can be a burden to some families.

“If you have more than one bin, as some people have, that’s an additional £40. It should be per household.

“I will be calling for regular updates on the progress of this policy. It amounts to a local tax in my opinion.”

The environmental task force will support the scheme’s introduction by investigating reports of fly-tipping in relation to garden waste.

However, the council said evidence from other local authorities, who have implemented a permit, indicates an increase in illegal dumping “hasn’t been an issue” across Scotland.

An application form has been made to allow people to purchase the permit online, by phoning the customer contact centre or in person.

The permits will be printed on weatherproof material and will include the council’s logo, householder address and a unique identifying number to combat potential fraud.

A council spokesperson said: “The details of the garden waste collection scheme will be presented to the infrastructure, land and environment policy board on May 24 for consideration by councillors.”