PENSIONERS Jean and Charles Boardman are outraged that doing the responsible thing will cost them £96.

The couple wanted to dispose of a small amount of plasterboard left over after work on their home in Sudbury Drive, Lostock.

However, after their third attempt at getting a waste and recycling centre to deposit it at, they were told it would cost them £96.

“We could not believe this. We are pensioners in our mid-seventies. This is a ridiculous amount to expect people to pay,” said Mrs Boardman, 74.

Their first attempt saw them driving to the Salford Road recycling centre.

“When we got there we were told that they needed proof of our private residence in Bolton so we had to come home to obtain the required documents.

“We took our current Council Tax bill and returned to the centre where the lady on the weighbridge checked it, took our registration number and then proceeded to tell us that the minimum charge to leave the plasterboard would be £97.

The couple then decided to take it to Raikes Lane waste station in Bolton.

“When we got there we were told that they would not take plasterboard and that we should take it to the original Raikes Lane incinerator. So off we set again.

“On arriving, we were again asked for proof of residence and they checked our registration number. The man then looked on his computer and told us the minimum charge would be £96.75.”

Mrs Boardman said: “It’s no wonder people dump rubbish and fly-tip when there are these extortionate charges.”

A spokesman for the waste and disposal team at Greater Manchester Combined Authority said: "There is no charge for residents to dispose of plasterboard, as long as this is household waste and the resident can prove place of address.

"Waste from any trade or commercial activity can’t be taken to the Recycling Centres free of charge. This includes any waste produced by tradesmen or builders hired to carry out improvements, repairs or alterations to your home. We would like to remind residents that if they are having work undertaken at their property by a tradesperson then they should ensure that the waste is removed and disposed of legally."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said:“We were very sorry to hear about what happened and we are looking to contact the couple in order to resolved the situation.”