Consultation launched on controversial recycling plan

A decision on whether to close two recycling centres moved a step closer as Shropshire Council launched a public consultation on controversial cuts to its waste service.

The authority outlined a shake up of rubbish and recycling provision in February as it grappled with a financial headache which has left a £62million hole in the budget for 2024/25.

As part of the plan, it hopes a scheme to charge for garden waste collections in the county which has previously been provided free of charge will raise around £4million for council coffers.

But the council’s intention to close two household recycling centres from the five it currently operates in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Craven Arms, Whitchurch and Bridgnorth has proved the most controversial, with residents in Craven Arms organising an 8,000 strong petition in an effort to stave off a potential closure.

Previously, the authority has said it would not consider any closures without consulting residents first – leading to today’s consultation launch. The consultation asks residents to rank in order of preference whether two centres should be closed, hours reduced at all sites, or whether to pay higher fees for garden waste collections in order to keep all sites open.

“Like councils all over the country, Shropshire is facing an unprecedented financial pressure. We must make £62m of savings in 2024/25 to keep a balanced budget, and our plans include difficult decisions, including some that we’ve never wanted to make,” they said.

“We must look at other ways of creating income and making savings so that we can protect essential front-line services for those residents most in need.

“We’re planning to introduce an annual subscription fee for the collection of garden waste from properties in the Shropshire Council area. We’re also considering reducing the number of household recycling centres in the county, or reducing their opening times.”

Garden waste collections are not considered a statutory service with many local authorities already offering the service as a chargeable scheme. Shropshire Council says its service would cost £52 per year, with residents able to opt in at any point of the year.

Household recycling centres are considered to be statutory and the council must provide locations where residents can deposit waste free of charge, although the legislation does not specify how many sites must be provided and the authority itself can decide how far it is reasonable to expect residents to travel.

Residents will be encouraged to provide feedback on the proposals via the council’s website, with paper copies also available at county libraries and “Shropshire Local” customer service buildings.

The consultation runs until May 20.