The introduction of a new digital “e‑pass” system for Hertfordshire’s 16 household waste recycling centres – including the one in Bishop’s Stortford – has been approved.
The county council’s cabinet panel has also backed the option of residents paying extra to dump more DIY waste than is currently allowed.
The authority claims the new regime will prioritise access for Hertfordshire residents and strengthen controls to prevent misuse at its dumps, including the Stortford site on the Woodside industrial estate off Dunmow Road.
After consulting on the changes, the council claims two-thirds (67%) of respondents backed the electronic pass and 65% supported paying for excess DIY waste.
The plans are set to be implemented gradually from this spring, when all visitors will need to apply online for an e‑pass to access the centres, without the need to book a specific date and time slot.
The council will communicate with residents to ensure they understand what the e‑pass is, how to register and what the updated DIY waste policy means for them.
Hertfordshire County Council is changing the rules for residents at its 16 recycling centres
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Hertfordshire County Council’s executive member for environment, said: “The plans were agreed [on Wednesday, February 11] 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 [on Wednesday] 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.
“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.”