New Forest District Council is consulting on proposals to stop providing commercial waste and recycling collections, which officers say cost around £75,000 a year more to run than they generate in income.
The proposal forms part of the authority’s budget consultation for the 2027-28 financial year, which seeks feedback on six savings measures aimed at helping tackle a forecast budget shortfall.
Liberal Democrat Pennington councillor Jack Davies questioned whether axing the service would prove worthwhile.
Speaking at full council on Monday, he said: “The worry going forward is for those businesses who haven’t got the operational income to switch to a private waste provider.
“People will simply fly-tip or will use other means to dispose of their waste. We have got to be careful about the implications from this.”
(Image: Cllr Davies)
He added: “I don’t think it is a sensible decision to scrap the business waste service. I think £75,000 is a tiny saving compared to the potential impact that cutting the service would have.”
Cllr Davies also warned the proposal could threaten the future viability of Lymington market and place further pressure on businesses already facing high rates and wider economic challenges.
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Consultation documents state the business waste service is discretionary rather than a legal requirement, and would require further spending to continue operating under new legislation.
Officials say charges would also need to rise significantly to match private-sector rates.
If approved, businesses would need to switch to another waste provider.
The council said several small and larger operators already provide commercial waste services across the district.
Speaking during discussions on the budget proposals on Monday, Jeremy Heron, the councillor responsible for finance, defended the move.
The Conservative councillor for Ringwood South said: “Businesses have a job to make money. That is the only purpose of a business.
“If it can’t afford its full costs, it is a pointless exercise. We cannot subsidise them.”
The council said businesses would need to find alternative waste collectors if the service was withdrawn, which could increase costs and affect existing arrangements.
The consultation remains open until November 10, with residents and businesses invited to give their views before any final decision is taken.
Residents can take part through the council’s budget consultation on the NFDC website.