UPDATE: In a significant change for residents, Warwickshire County Council has announced that starting November 24, 2023, locals can access any of the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) without needing to book in advance. This urgent reform comes as part of a six-month trial aimed at improving access to recycling facilities and combating the rising issue of fly-tipping.
Officials confirm that the decision to eliminate the online booking system—first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic—was driven by widespread concerns regarding its effectiveness. Nuneaton and Bedworth borough councillor, Kath Price, has been a vocal advocate for change, previously stating that the booking requirement has contributed to local fly-tipping incidents.
In a statement, Darren Cheshire, the county council’s cabinet member for environment, heritage, and culture, emphasized the importance of this trial: “We know that Warwickshire residents care deeply about recycling and doing their bit for the environment. This trial will make it easier for people to access our recycling centres and dispose of their waste and recyclables responsibly, further reducing the temptation to fly-tip.”
As part of this trial, Shire Hall will closely monitor visitor numbers, queuing times, and customer satisfaction to evaluate the impacts of removing the booking requirement. Councillor George Finch echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stating, “Our councillors work hard pushing for exactly this kind of common-sense reform. Change that makes it easier to recycle, cuts red tape, and puts trust in residents.”
Residents are urged to plan their visits strategically to avoid peak times, which typically include Saturday and Sunday mornings, bank holidays, and the days immediately following Christmas. This change is expected to significantly enhance community access to recycling services and encourage responsible waste disposal.
This trial represents a crucial step towards improving the recycling experience for Warwickshire residents, making it essential for those who care about the environment to take advantage of this new opportunity. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial progresses.
