COUNCIL chiefs have admitted that plans to axe scores of mini recycling centres across Hampshire could spark an increase in fly-tipping.

Bring Banks, located in car parks and other public places, enable householders to dispose of items such as paper, glass and cardboard.

But 80 of the 106 facilities in the New Forest are set to close – despite fears it could lead to more waste being dumped in the countryside.

The plan, which aims to save £143,000 a year, was approved at a meeting of the district council.

It comes just days after Hampshire County Council started charging people who take soil, rubble, plasterboard and asbestos to its household waste recycling centres.

The proposal to axe Bring Banks in the Forest follows recent improvements to the district’s kerbside collection service.

A report to councillors said only 35 per cent of glass thrown away was being deposited at Bring Sites, compared with 65 per cent collected by dustmen.

It also cited the growing popularity of smart technology and a resulting reduction in the amount of paper used by households across the district.

The number of Bring Banks is due to be reduced to 20, all of which will be located in areas of high demand.

The report said: “There may be an initial increase in fly-tipping. However, this will be regularly monitored and any dumped material will be removed.”

Cllr David Harrison, pictured left, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, condemned the proposals.

He told the Daily EchoDaily Echo: “Bring Banks account for about a third of the glass collected in the district – and that’s just one waste stream.

“Removing all but a handful a terrible idea that flies in the face of all the effort that has gone into trying to encourage people to recycling.

“The savings made by removing more than 80 sites across the district is just £140,000 a year. It might well cost more than that to deal with increases in fly-tipping.”

But Tory councillors said the amount of waste taken to Bring Banks had dropped because householders could now recycle more material at home.

Cllr Sophie Beeton, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The time is now right to take out many of these banks while leaving a core network of sites that residents can use for additional recycling.”

The council says no jobs will be lost as a result of the changes.