On 11 February 2026, the Cabinet Panel approved plans to introduce a new E-pass system and enhance options on how waste generated from DIY is managed at Recycling Centres across the county.

With access restrictions already in place in many neighbouring local authority areas and with rising service costs, these changes will prioritise access for residents, strengthen controls to prevent misuse, and provide an improved option to pay for disposal of DIY waste.

The plans are set to be implemented gradually from spring 2026 when residents will need to apply for an E‑pass to access the centres. The process will be quick to register and there would be no need for residents to book a specific day or time of arrival like in some other areas. Updated DIY waste arrangements will allow residents to pay for any material above the ‘free’ legal limits, rather than being refused access at the centres.

The feedback gathered through consultation on these proposals showed strong positive support from 67% of residents for the E-pass and 65% of residents positively supported a new option to pay for excess DIY waste, instead of refusing to accept the material.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, said:
‘The plans were agreed yesterday as part of the Council’s wider programme to manage rising service pressures across the Recycling Centre network which has been receiving more waste, more visits, and an increase in operating costs each year. 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. The plans approved yesterday were options that residents supported as part of a public consultation we ran last year and will provide better controls on waste that should not be entering our Recycling Centres, meaning we can prioritise use by Hertfordshire residents. We’re also providing an improved offer for residents who need to dispose of waste from DIY work at their homes by allowing them to pay a small charge, rather than turning away quantities that are higher than the current lawful limits. We believe that these changes will improve the customer experience for Hertfordshire residents as well as helping contribute to the wider council savings required.’

Further communication to ensure residents understand what the E‑pass is, how to register, and what the updated DIY waste policy means will be provided as part of the phased roll out from the spring.

Hertfordshire County Council

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The Government has launched a seven‑week consultation on proposals to change how local government is structured in Hertfordshire. The consultation closes on 26 March 2026.

Full details of the three proposals, including business cases, financial analysis, maps showing the proposed boundaries and a link to the Government’s consultation are available at: www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk.

Currently, services are split between district/borough councils and the county council. Under the Government’s plans, these would be replaced by new unitary councils delivering all services.

Following a series of engagement events for residents and stakeholders, plus an online survey, Hertfordshire’s 11 councils, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner, submitted proposals for two, three and four unitary council models for the Government to consider.

Have your say HERE

Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation to gather residents’ feedback on the future of the county’s 16 recycling centres and five reuse shops. The aim is to explore options that will help these services remain efficient and sustainable for the long term.

Why is this happening?

The council is facing growing challenges in running the service, including rising operational costs, increased visitor numbers, commercial misuse of the sites, and new regulatory requirements. There are also serious concerns about staff safety, with a recent survey revealing that nearly all front-line staff have experienced verbal or physical abuse – something the council is committed to addressing.

What’s being considered?

Maintaining the recycling service costs the council around £13 million each year. With wider financial pressures, particularly in areas like social care, the council is reviewing how the recycling centres can continue to operate effectively and efficiently.

While earlier proposals included reduced opening days at some sites and a countywide booking system, these have now been withdrawn. Instead, the council is inviting the public to share their views on alternative options being explored.

Your feedback will help shape decisions on how the service is run in the future, with outcomes expected in early 2026.

How to take part

📝 Complete the online survey here:
https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/recyclingcentreconsultation/

📄 Prefer a paper copy?
You can pick one up at your local recycling centre.

💻 Need help going online?
Visit any Hertfordshire library for free computer access and support with filling out the survey.

🗓 Consultation closes: 28 November 2025

Let your voice be heard and help shape the future of Hertfordshire’s recycling services.

When emergencies happen, a fast and well-coordinated response can save lives and reduce disruption. That’s where Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum come in.

The Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) is a partnership of over 60 organisations who work together to keep our county safe, prepared and resilient.

Who’s involved?
The LRF brings together a wide range of services and organisations, including:

• Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
• Local councils
• NHS and health services
• Utility companies
• Charities and volunteer groups

What do they do?
Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum plan, train and prepare for the most likely risks to Hertfordshire, such as flooding, power cuts, severe weather, pandemics and more.

They use the Hertfordshire Risk Register and the National Risk Register to guide their planning, so they’re always focused on what matters most to local communities.

They don’t just plan on paper – they regularly train together, simulating real-life emergencies so they’re ready to act quickly and effectively when needed.

Find out more

To learn more about the risks in Hertfordshire, how to prepare for them and what the LRF is doing to keep our communities safe, visit their website HERE.

You’ll find practical advice, downloadable resources and simple steps you can take today to be ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.