10 Mar 2025
Community activists have condemned changes at a local recycling centre which have seen opening hours slashed and the introduction of an online booking system.
Herts county council has reduced the operational days of the Waterdale Recycling Centre, near Garston, from seven to five days a week without any prior warning.
Lib Dem county council candidates Ajanta Hilton and Liz Needham, fighting for St Stephen’s and London Colney wards, say reducing the centre’s availability may lead to an increase in fly-tipping locally, leading to environmental hazards and high clean-up costs.
They claim the online booking system excludes those people who find it challenging to navigate online systems, including some elderly residents and those without reliable internet access.
They have also highlighted the potential costs associated with an increase in fly-tipping incidents, which should be weighed against any immediate cost savings.
Liz explained: “In Hertfordshire, the annual cost of clearing fly-tipped waste is approximately £820,000. This substantial expenditure underscores the financial strain that illegal dumping imposes on local authorities. If reduced access to recycling facilities leads to an increase in fly-tipping, the anticipated savings from operational cuts could be offset by the heightened costs of waste removal, enforcement actions and CCTV.
“Furthermore, addressing fly-tipping involves not only cleanup costs but also expenses related to investigation, legal proceedings, and environmental remediation. These indirect costs can escalate rapidly, diminishing the financial benefits gained from reducing recycling centre operations.”
The candidates are urging HCC to revisit its decision regarding the operational changes at the Waterdale Recycling Centre and are calling for amore inclusive approach that considers both the financial implications and the potential social and environmental consequences.
Liz added: “We want to see the county council explore alternative solutions to manage demand and efficiency without compromising accessibility. Such measures could include extending operating hours on the days the centre is open, implementing a hybrid booking system that accommodates both online and offline reservations, and enhancing public awareness campaigns about proper waste disposal practices.
“A holistic approach that considers both operational efficiency and community accessibility is imperative. By implementing inclusive booking systems, engaging in public education, and supporting preventative measures against illegal dumping, the council can strive to balance cost savings with environmental stewardship and social equity. Ongoing monitoring and adaptability in policy implementation will be key to ensuring that the intended benefits of these changes are realised without compromising the well-being of the community and the environment.”
Cllr Eric Buckmaster, executive member for the environment at HCC, responded to their concerns, but did not offer any suggestions of a U-turn: “A lot of other local councils operate a booking system for their recycling centres, where residents are able to book a convenient slot to visit a centre, and we are looking into whether a similar system would help us operate our recycling centres more efficiently.
“A booking system could help ensure staff have time to help customers, and mean reduced queuing times and fewer wasted journeys as access would be guaranteed. However, we will develop detailed proposals and consult the public on these before making any decision.
“We’re also looking at potentially changing the opening hours at the four recycling centres that are currently open seven days a week, to bring them into line with the five day a week opening of the other sites. We will consult the public before making any decision on this, but we would intend to keep all sites open at weekends, and ensure that opening days are staggered to ensure there’s always a nearby site open among our 16 recycling centres across Hertfordshire.”
