Proof of residency now required to use recycling centres

Local Residents are being warned that they will need to provide proof of residency before being allowed to use recycling centres run by Hertfordshire County Council.

With significant increases in the cost of providing recycling services, the county council have had to consider ways to reduce the cost burden placed on Hertfordshire residents for out of county household waste disposal. At present, nine Hertfordshire recycling centres experience in excess of 20% cross border use. The majority of neighbouring local authorities already provide their recycling centre networks solely for their own residents and seek to restrict access to Hertfordshire and other 'out of area' residents.

Simon Aries, Director of Transport, Waste and Environment, said: "The decision taken is the start of the process, and we will now take steps as resources allow to implement this policy across our recycling centres.

"Like many other council-run services, our recycling centres are experiencing additional costs and it is only prudent that we look at all possible forms of mitigation for Hertfordshire taxpayers who are currently paying for waste arising outside of Hertfordshire. We anticipate that once the changes have bedded-in, restricting non-resident access will mean less traffic through our centres leading to an improved experience for our residents.

"Resident only policies are commonplace across the region and country, with many of our nearest neighbours having had this policy in place for some time. We will now invite all neighbouring councils to dialogue on the potential reciprocal use of centres across borders."

Valid forms of ID include a driving licence, Council Tax bill, Hertfordshire bus pass or utility bill. Essex residents can also use recycling centres in Hertfordshire thanks to a reciprocal agreement with Essex County Council.