Government has introduced fees for tipping to cut down on massive public subsidies for waste disposal, Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said yesterday.

From May 14, firms dumping waste at the Tynes Bay incinerator will have to pay between $35 and $45 a tonne. Some truckers have complained about the new fee, saying it will either be passed onto customers, or will result in trash being illegally dumped.

Mr. Scott said Government spent $3.5 million a year on disposing commercial waste and more than $20 million since the plant started in 1994.

He said: "With the introduction of these new fees the subsidy will be reduced to about $2.4 million a year.

"The cost to Government for disposal and incineration of one tonne of garbage is $95.

"With the introduction of the tipping fee the subsidy is reduced to $50-60 per tonne.'' He said such fees were common around the world and would pay for maintenance of the Tynes Bay plant.

He added the Ministry heavily subsidises the Hazardous Waste Programme by not charging companies or householders for the collection and shipment of batteries, fluorescent tubes, oil, paint and chemicals.

The new charges will be on the agenda when Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) meets Mr. Scott next week.

KBB executive director Lennox Boodram refused to reveal what feedback he had received from members or what position KBB would take on the charge.

But he said the charge would be one of several issues on the agenda when he met Mr. Scott for a scheduled meeting next week.