Norfolk adds budget for extra hazardous waste days at recycling centres. Booking required after events see long lines.
Hazardous waste days let people dump certain items, taking items recycling centers don’t usually accept. This includes paint, lawn treatments, bleach, weed killer, and insecticides.
These events often create very long lines; some had over 1,400 vehicles show up. People now have to book a slot, a change implemented by the council last November.
The council hasn’t said when or where extra days will occur. James Bensly, the environment and waste cabinet member, commented on the hazardous waste days, saying they are incredibly popular. He added that residents can safely dispose of waste this way.
They included funding for more waste days, which will be in the springtime, with more details to come after the budget is set. The council’s budget includes £45 million in cuts and savings, and a 4.99% council tax increase is likely.
Rob Colwell, a Liberal Democrat councillor, is happy about the extra waste events. Since 2022, they requested more hazardous waste days because this increase meets a real need, benefiting both the environment and residents who can dispose of waste responsibly.
The booking system at tips saves the county £200,000 per year, having started after the 2024 waste events. From June, recycling centers will close on Wednesdays, saving another £200,000.