Hertfordshire County Council has approved plans for a new digital system that allows residents to access recycling centres without the need to book in advance.
As part of the plans, residents will also be able to pay for any DIY waste they bring to a recycling centre that is above the free legal limits, rather than being refused access to the site. Currently, recycling centres in Hertfordshire will only accept DIY waste in two 50 litre rubble bags or one bulky item, such as a bath.
The council says the new system will strengthen controls to prevent misuse and remove the need to book a specific time and day to visit a centre.
The plans are set to be implemented gradually from spring 2026, when all visitors will need to apply for an E‑pass to access the centres.
Public feedback gathered through consultation on the introduction of an E-pass system showed 67% of respondents positively supported the proposals. While 65% supported a new option to pay for excess DIY waste, instead of centres refusing to accept the material.
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “We know how important the service is to residents and, back in the summer of last year, we scrapped proposals to introduce a booking system and reduce the days of operation at four of our centres.”
“We believe that these changes will improve the customer experience for Hertfordshire residents, as well as helping contribute to the wider council savings required.”
