CHANGES to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across Hampshire have been agreed by Hampshire County Council.

The county council has been looking at innovative options for running the HWRC service in response to a reduction in funding from the Government and to see how a modern, value-for-money service can be achieved in Hampshire.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, made a number of recommendations based on 6,500 responses from a public survey and the need to meet required savings of almost £1million.

The recommendations have now been agreed and will be implemented in a phased approach from April.

These include:

  • Reducing opening hours from April 1, 2015 to reflect peak user times. Exact opening times will be decided by the county council this month.
  • Closing some small, quieter sites on one day during the week.
  • Enhancing trade waste controls, introducing a chargeable business waste service and charging for some DIY waste.
  • Working more closely with charities to maximise reuse, and reduce the amount of material going for treatment and disposal.

Cllr Woodward said: “Hampshire County Council is having to make £100m savings by March 2015 and the Household Waste Recycling service is part of this review.

“We have been working hard to devise a service that fits a more effective business model as well as reflects people’s user habits and views.

“I am really grateful to the number of residents who responded to our consultation and told us their views. It was obvious that the service is highly regarded which is why I have decided not to close any sites.”