Politics & Council · Wiltshire-wide
Wiltshire Council dismisses fears over 'pay-to-tip' charges at recycling centres
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Wiltshire Council has moved to calm resident concerns that a new booking trial for recycling centres could lead to future charging for household waste disposal.
Wiltshire Council has officially addressed growing concerns that the recent introduction of a booking system at several of the county's household recycling centres is a precursor to introducing charges for residents.
A trial, which came into force on 14 September, requires residents to book an online appointment before visiting six of the county's ten recycling sites. The change led to speculation that the authority might be preparing to implement a pay-to-tip scheme, charging users per visit or by weight of waste.
Sarah Valdus, director of waste at Wiltshire Council, has moved to dispel these rumours. She confirmed that under current national legislation, councils in England are prohibited from charging residents for disposing of standard household waste at their local centres.
While local authorities maintain the right to set limits on the volume of certain DIY waste materials accepted for free, Ms Valdus stated clearly that Wiltshire Council has not made any policy decision to introduce charges at this time.
The council is currently using the trial period to monitor how the booking system functions in practice. Site entrances are currently staffed by employees from the council's contractors, FCC Environment and Hills Waste Solutions, to verify bookings and assist visitors. While some councils in other parts of the country have opted for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, Wiltshire Council is still evaluating such technologies.
Ms Valdus noted that the council is currently in discussions with other local authorities to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different management systems, but emphasised that no decisions regarding further investment or a permanent rollout will be made until the trial has concluded and its effectiveness has been fully analysed.
Early data from the trial, according to the council, has been positive, with encouraging booking numbers and feedback received from residents via social media channels.
The pre-booking system currently applies to the following sites across the county:
Devizes
Lower Compton (near Calne)
Melksham
Purton
Salisbury
Stanton St Quintin (near Chippenham)
Residents are encouraged to check the council website to secure a slot before travelling, as the trial continues to gather evidence on the future of waste management services in Wiltshire.
Source: Wiltshire Times · View original