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earlier proposals included reduced opening days at some sites and a countywide booking system, these have now been withdrawn.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.

An important message from Cllr Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council

Late last year the Government set out their plans to simplify existing local government structures in England to make it easier for residents to access local services and to save money. In Hertfordshire, there are currently two types of council: district and borough councils and the county council.

District and borough councils, provide services such as housing, planning, bin collections, car parks and leisure services, while we are responsible for schools, libraries, roads, caring for children, the fire and rescue service and supporting adults who need help with daily living.

Under the Government’s plan, these councils will be replaced by new unitary councils that will deliver all services currently provided by the two separate types of council. All councils in Hertfordshire are working together to explore what this would look like, with the aim of creating a system that is easy to understand, delivers good value for money and responds to the needs of local areas.

Over the next month, councils will hold a mix of in-person and online events across the county. A website will also give further information on the changes, how you can get involved and share your views at www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk. This will remain open until 30 September 2025. After this date councils will review all the feedback before submitting the final proposal to Government at the end of November. I’d encourage you all to take advantage of this once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of Hertfordshire.

If you haven’t already, do sign up to receive regular updates from Hertfordshire County Council directly at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme