A Cabinet Panel has approved the introduction of an ‘E-pass’ system, which will be required to use recycling centres from spring 2026.

The E-pass will be quick to register and will not require booking a specific time or date.

The move is designed to prioritise access for Hertfordshire residents, reduce misuse, and help manage increasing waste volumes and operating costs.

Paul Zukowskyj, executive member for environment at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The plans were agreed yesterday as part of the council’s wider programme to manage rising service pressures across the Recycling Centre network which has been receiving more waste, more visits, and an increase in operating costs each year.

“We know how important the service is to residents and, back in the summer of last year, we scrapped proposals to introduce a booking system and reduce the days of operation at four of our centres.

“The plans approved yesterday were options that residents supported as part of a public consultation we ran last year and will provide better controls on waste that should not be entering our recycling centres, meaning we can prioritise use by Hertfordshire residents.”

Public consultation showed strong support for the E-pass system, with 67 per cent backing its introduction.

Alongside the new entry system, changes to DIY waste disposal were also approved.

Residents will be able to pay to dispose of DIY waste beyond the current free legal limits, rather than being turned away.

Sixty-five per cent of consultees supported this approach.

Councillor Zukowskyj said the changes are intended to improve the customer experience and help manage costs.

He said: “We’re also providing an improved offer for residents who need to dispose of waste from DIY work at their homes by allowing them to pay a small charge, rather than turning away quantities that are higher than the current lawful limits.

“We believe that these changes will improve the customer experience for Hertfordshire residents as well as helping contribute to the wider council savings required.”

The system will be rolled out gradually, with further information to be provided to residents from the spring.