Cardiff council may halve HWRCs

A plan to save over 300,000 by halving the number of household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Cardiff is the latest cost-saving measure being proposed by the council.

The cuts, which were first proposed in a preliminary meeting in December to decide the 2014/15 budget strategy, would see two of Cardiffs four HWRCs axed and the remaining facilities turned into super sites.

At present, Cardiff council operates HWRCs at Lamby Way in Rumney, Waungron Road site in Fairwater, Bessemer Close in Leckwith, and Wedal Road in Roath.

The council estimates the cuts will result in more than 300,000 in savings, with opening times changed to meet customer demand and working practices improved to increase recycling.

It has also recognised the potential for gaining capital receipts from the sites that are released.

The council plans to put the proposal to a month-long public consultation on its website next week while a recommendation on whether to implement the plan, and which sites should be cut, will be made ahead of a cabinet decision on 2014/15 budget proposals in February.

Asked whether a reduction in HWRCs would result in more flytipping to avoid incurring collection fees for bulky waste, a council spokesman told letsrecycle.com that while those concerns had been voiced, the plan had been tested in other local authorities and had not raised any issues.

Capacity

Explaining the reasons behind the proposal, councillor Ashley Govier said: Current data shows that our four household waste and recycling centres (HWRC) sites are only operating at 50% capacity with opening times not meeting customer demand while operating costs remain high with significant periods of down time.

By reducing to two super sites, we will greatly increase our ability to encourage the reuse of materials, post-sort waste and provide a more accessible commercial service for SMEs. Staff at the super sites will be trained to advise on where the waste can be appropriately deposited so recycling rates at HWRCs can be maximised.

We are satisfied the proposals will provide the most modern and user friendly facilities for residents and businesses at two convenient locations that satisfy our statutory obligations. The consultation will open on the proposals next week and we look forward to residents getting involved and having a say in the future of this important service.