A rise in charges at the Eastern Civic Amenity Site could lead to an increase in fly-tipping, according to a Douglas councillor.

Changes to the cost of disposing electrical items came into effect last week.

A number of councillors have criticised the move, fearing the rise in costs could lead to residents using other ways to get rid of their rubbish.

The new contract means disposal of PC monitors and laptops will now cost £14 while an American-style fridge weighing 150kg or above would see a charge of £87.

Hills Ward member Carol Crawley told the chamber ’people are not going to pay [the new] prices’ and is urging the government to reconsider.

She said: ’There are people who can’t afford to dispose of [electronic items] properly, and I think there are [also] people that actually don’t really care how they dispose of things.

’We’ve seen it years back, plenty of fridges and things that have been tipped over Marine Drive - [but] that’s the Braddan authority’s responsibility.

’I do think it [the charge rise] will entice people to get rid of it [their waste items] any which way they can.

Asked if she did not think that things would become financially unviable if the suggested charge raises were not made, Councillor Crawley said: ’I think if the charges aren’t raised, people will be more inclined to dispose of their units the correct way.

’But as Councillor [Falk] Horning mentioned, people will just smash their laptops and pop them in the bin [if the rates rise].

’Some in the Green Party, and some environmentally friendly people will actually look at how to dispose of them properly and will pay the price for it.’