Unpopular charges to get rid of household DIY waste at Norfolk tips will be scrapped this month, after the government ordered councils to abolish the fees.
From New Year's Eve (December 31), people will be able to get rid of a certain amount of DIY waste for free at the council's recycling centres.
There have been charges for large amounts of DIY waste for more than two decades. But, in 2018, the county council removed a concession which allowed people to leave small amounts of waste for free.
Then, earlier this year, the government announced it would abolish the fees some councils charge - which is why the county council has had to take action.
It means people can take a maximum of 100 litres of DIY waste or one single item with a maximum size of 200cm by 70cm by 75cm for free. The 100 litres must fit into two 50 litre bags.
The county council said each household is allowed four free visits with DIY waste every four weeks, but warned anything beyond this will still be charged at normal rates.
Eric Vardy, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “This is very welcome news for Norfolk residents who have carried out small projects on their homes or gardens and can bring these materials to us for recycling or disposal.
“From December 31, the government has set out the limits to household DIY waste which can be taken free of charge, but our Pay As You Throw service will remain in place as a convenient way to get rid of larger amounts.
"It’s important that people are encouraged to dispose of their waste responsibly."
The Conservative-controlled council previously warned the changes could cost the authority as much as £1m and it might have to consider making people book slots to take their waste as a way to save money by controlling numbers.
Labour county councillor Terry Jermy, who questioned when the charges would be scrapped at a recent council meeting, was among critics of such a suggestion, saying it could lead to more fly-tipping.
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