A BULKY waste postcode lottery means some Essex households are paying seven-times more to get white goods removed.

Analysis of 13 Essex councils’ bulky waste charges has revealed Basildon charges the least on average per item for a first collection.

While Basildon charges only £2 on average for up to five items, residents in Rochford are stung at £15 for just one.

Figures from the BBC’s Shared Data Unit were published following the launch of a new Government waste strategy, which includes consulting on plans for manufacturers to pay to dispose of goods they produce.

Chairman of the leisure, culture and environment committee at Basildon Council, Kevin Blake, said: “This is a popular service and the number of bookings continues to grow year on year.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Kevin Blake

“We want to make sure residents have access to affordable services which enable them to do the right thing with their household waste, and this service encourages this.”

Colchester, Braintree and Southend were among the top five cheapest councils.

A Braintree resident can expect to pay £6.40 and in Colchester - £6.90.

But both councils charge in excess of £65 for collecting goods a second time and a fridge or freezer will set you back £25 to collect in Colchester.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Often residents want to get rid of fridges or freezers as a single item, so the £25 payment is cheaper than paying for up to six items.”

Tendring Council, which carries out between 20 and 30 collections a week was one of the most expensive for collections at £10 each.

Environment boss at Tendring Council, Michael Talbot said: “Our contractors offer a competitive rate in line with other authorities in Essex, and which covers the operational cost to ensure there is no impact on the tax payer.

“We also promote details of charities who will collect suitable items free of charge for repair and reuse - both reducing the amount which goes to landfill and supporting good causes.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Michael Talbot, pictured on the right

Bulky waste is defined as furniture, household electrical items and white goods which cannot be included in the regular rubbish collection.

Nationally there is widespread regional variation in how much people are being asked to pay with little consistency in the often confusing pricing structures set by councils.

Only two of the 13 Essex authorities offer a concession rate for people on low incomes - Epping Forest, which offers a 50 per cent discount for over 60s, and Braintree - where reusable items are also collected for free.