Fife Council has delayed plans to introduce controversial recycling charges pending a review.
One local trader said the proposal to scrap the £500 annual permit in favour of charges per load would “ruin businesses”.
Council leader David Ross confirmed the unpopular scheme, which was due to be introduced from October 3, has been postponed at least until next year.
Mr Ross said: “These facilities are managed by our arms-length company Fife Resource Solutions (FRS), which developed the new proposals.
“But FRS has a direct responsibility to the council, and having myself looked at the concerns about the impact of these new arrangements being raised by councillors, businesses and individuals, I requested that FRS delays the implementation of these proposals for at least three months to allow these matters to be addressed more fully.
“I am pleased to say that these planned changes are now under review.”
The plans on hold would also involve limiting trade recycling to three sites in Fife and introducing a booking system for domestic users with vans or trailers.
There will now be a rethink, taking into account the impacts on local businesses, in particular small businesses, and concerns about the management of recycling sites.
The review will also consider what transitional arrangements should be in place to help businesses adjust to changes.
Mr Ross added: “I think that most people accept that new arrangements of some kind are needed. It is estimated that unauthorised and uncharged for depositing of trade waste in Fife’s recycling sites is costing Fife Council and, ultimately, Fife residents, about half a million pounds a year.
“The concerns raised by local people, communities and businesses need to be properly addressed and this is why I have asked FRS to put their proposals on hold, and I am pleased to hear that FRS has agreed to this.”
