Telford and Wrekin Council ended an informal agreement with Shropshire Council on 1 April to allow residents to share access to rubbish and recycling centres.
The authority said it had made the decision as too many people from outside the borough were using them, which was adding cost and pressure on the service.
Shropshire farmers are already blighted by fly-tipping on their land and are now worried about a spike in the problem caused by the changes and the subsequent clear-up costs.
Unintended spike?
Shropshire County Chair Kate Mayne, said: “While the majority of people get rid of their waste sensibly, I would urge caution and ask them to be aware of the new arrangements and wary of traders offering to take rubbish away at a low price.
"No-one wants to see it taken away and then dumped in our public spaces, down country lanes, in hedgerows or in farm gateways and in fields.”
Residents in Shifnal are just a short drive from Telford’s Halesfield recycling centre but fall under Shropshire Council while those living near Roden who are with Telford & Wrekin can now not access Shrewsbury sites.
“There are concerns among NFU members that it will lead to an unintended spike in fly-tipping, which can have a huge impact on our fields, livestock and wildlife.”
Kate Mayne
Difficult situation
Organic dairy farmer James Chatham said he hoped it did not make the problem any worse.
“We know there are pressures on budgets but it is a difficult situation,” he added.
“If people get turned away from recycling centres or fall foul of rogue waste collectors looking to take advantage of the situation then it could be a real mess.”
Following a review, Telford and Wrekin Council claimed 30,000 people from outside the borough used its sites last year.
Reports have suggested that people may have to present identification to be allowed to drop their waste off.