TIME is running out for residents to have their say on council plans to limit the amount of DIY waste taken to the borough's tips for free.

Cheshire West and Chester Council launched a consultation in July on its proposals to better manage the recycling and disposal of rubbish at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

Among the proposed changes are the introduction of a limit on the amount of DIY waste which can be brought to tips without charge and the pre-registration of vehicles to automate proof of address checks.

Should these plans eventually be approved, the changes would be brought in across the borough's seven HWRCs - at Northwich, Winsford, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Frodsham, Neston and Tattenhall.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, urged residents to share their views before the consultation closes on Sunday, September 1.

She said: "I would like to thank everyone who has already taken part in this consultation and shared their views with us on our proposals for HWRCs.

"HWRCs are important to the borough; they allow residents to dispose of and recycle items that can’t be collected through the regular kerbside service.

"These proposals are about providing a modernised service that is easy to use, affordable to operate, and helps the council reach our climate change goals.

"This is a part of the council's waste management strategy, which aims to reduce overall waste, increase recycling and provide a cost-effective service.

"I encourage residents to take part before the closing date on Sunday, September 1, to make sure their views are heard."

Each year, the council's tips are visited around 740,000 times and process about 40,000 tonnes of household waste and recycling. Of this, 60 per cent of the waste is recycled or re-used.

In 2023 it cost the council £2.4 million to operate the sites and manage the recyclable waste, and a further £1.3 million to dispose of the non-recyclable waste.

As part of its consultation, the council is aiming to: prevent waste by re-using ad recycling products and materials at every opportunity; provide fair and reasonable access for residents, while preventing unauthorised access; and continue to improve the service and make it as efficient as possible.

To do this, the council is proposing the following:

  • provide more opportunities for the repair and reuse of unwanted items;
  • automate proof of address checks by pre-registering vehicles;
  • update the HWRC reasonable use procedures;
  • support residents to sort the waste and recycling they bring to HWRCs;
  • and limit the amount of DIY waste brought without charge.

Further details on the consultation can be found here: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/HWRC-Consultation.

Residents can share their views by:

  • email: HWRC-Consultation@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk;
  • write to: Household Waste Recycling Centre Consultation, Insight and Intelligence, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA;
  • telephone: 0300 123 7026 quoting ‘Household Waste Recycling Centre Consultation’;
  • pick up a paper copy of the consultation information and survey from any library or HWRC (paper copies and alternative formats are also available on request using the above contact details).