The county council has launched a consultation, set to run until November 28, offering three options that would restrict how people bring their waste.
It comes as the new Liberal Democrat administration scrapped previous plans for reduced opening days and a booking system, but still needs to find a way to cut costs and make sure the service remains financially sustainable.
Option one would force residents to apply for an ‘e-pass’ online before turning up, which non-residents would be unable to do.
The idea is that this would help the council keep out businesses and traders that should not be using the recycling centre.
It would last for “a number of years” and those who need help applying would be supported, the council said.
(Image: Hertfordshire County Council)
Option two would introduce charges for “excess DIY waste”, which would currently be refused, with costs such as £4 for a 25-litre bag of cement, £7.50 for a toilet, and £4 for a radiator provided as examples.
The free limit would seemingly still be two 50-litre rubble bags or one bulky item such as a fence panel, toilet, or kitchen cupboard for a single visit, but only if it was produced by householders doing DIY and not paid work.
Option three would see anyone bringing unsorted unrecyclable rubbish directed to a special area of the recycling centre where they would have to separate it into different recycling containers themselves, or else be refused access.
The council highlighted that a study revealed the average black bag of rubbish brought in was actually around 60 per cent recyclable.
As well as boosting recycling, it would also help limit fire hazards to make the centres more efficient and cut costs.
Waterdale Recycling Centre(Image: Newsquest)
Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, who is responsible for environment measures, said: “We know how important recycling centres are to Hertfordshire residents, and that’s why we want to hear from as many people as possible.
“This consultation is about exploring three new options to make the service financially sustainable and as effective as possible for our residents.
“We want to listen to those of you who use recycling centres regularly to help us make the right decision for the future.”
Respondents are asked to rank the three options in order of preference, and the findings will go to the council’s cabinet before a decision is made in February 2026.