AGAINST a backdrop of financial challenges facing local authorities, Hampshire County Council is looking at ways to maintain its extensive provision of household waste recycling centres as the cost of managing household waste continues to rise.

County councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Hampshire has one of the most extensive networks of household waste recycling centres in the country with 24 facilities across the county.

“Some of these sites are very close to county borders so are inevitably used by non Hampshire residents.

“Several of our neighbouring authorities, who are facing similar financial pressures to Hampshire, have taken the difficult decision to prevent non-residents using their recycling centres. However, I recognise that access to convenient local centres is important to encourage recycling.

“I also want to be fair to Hampshire council taxpayers though, which is why we are looking at the potential of non-Hampshire residents contributing to the cost of this service. Household waste recycling centres are the most efficient and cost-effective way of recycling and it’s important that we do everything we can to maintain our network of sites across Hampshire.”

The proposals to be considered aims to enable residents from outside of Hampshire to continue to use Hampshire waste recycling centres facilities with an appropriate contribution to costs. They detail how the county council plans to identify Hampshire residents to ensure they can continue to visit any Hampshire recycling to dispose of household waste material free of charge.

Charges for non-household waste (asbestos, plasterboard, soil and rubble) remain and will involve automatic number plate recognition to allow access for vehicles registered to Hampshire addresses, with no need to wait for any other form of checking.

Hampshire residents can also continue to apply for permits for vans and trailers.

The proposals include the introduction of a £15 administration fee to cover the costs of providing the permit to allow a dozen visits within a 12 month period. Commercial vehicles from both within and outside of Hampshire can continue to use the county’s recycling cnetres on a chargeable basis.