Plans to change the service, which include closing the centres at quieter times and charging for large loads of non-household waste, were signed off by the council following a cabinet meeting this week (24 November) and are set to be implemented in February 2016.
Currently Surrey council provides 15 HWRC sites, run by SUEZ Surrey, across the county known locally as Community Recycling Centres, managing a total of 144,000 tonnes of material per year. According to a report submitted ahead of the meeting, the sites divert up to 96% of the materials that they handle away from landfill in 2014/15.
Consultation
Despite popularity among local residents, a review to identify changes to the service was held due to increasing levels of non-household waste being deposited at the sites as well as pressure relating to the operations of the sites.
A public consultation was held in summer 2015 asking Surrey residents on the options provided and any preferences or comments regarding a number of ways reducing costs.
The proposal to reduce opening hours at off-peak times was voted by residents to have the least impact, followed by reducing opening days at some sites. These findings helped shape the recommendations on proposed changes, the report claims.
MTFP
The intended savings are a result of the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), completed in February 2015, which aims to increase the council’s overall financial resilience.
Following the general elections in May, the MTFP was refreshed and identified that the council would have to address a shortfall in funding next year.
“By fitting opening hours around demand we will achieve better value for money from these centres and ensure we continue to offer a high-quality service.”
Mike Goodman, cabinet member for environment and planning
Surrey county council
Mike Goodman, Surrey county council’s cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We have listened to what people have told us and while we need to make savings due to the huge financial pressures we face, we have been able to put forward proposals which maintain a full network of CRCs.
“By fitting opening hours around demand we will achieve better value for money from these centres and ensure we continue to offer a high-quality service.”
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