The Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) is consulting on plans that could see limits on the number of visits residents make to their nearest recycling centre. The proposals also include a booking system for all visits and a requirement to pre-sort waste before arriving.
Why are changes being considered?
Forecasts suggest the region's population will increase by around 200,000 by 2037, placing greater demand on household waste services. MRWA manages waste disposal and prevention for the Liverpool City Region, including Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). The current waste management and recycling contract ends in 2029, prompting a review of future arrangements.
Challenges identified include boosting recycling levels and reducing traffic congestion during busy periods. MRWA is putting forward four potential policy changes: limiting access to Merseyside residents only with identification, imposing a use limit per year alongside a booking system, and requiring waste to be separated into recyclable and non-recyclable before arriving.
What do the proposals involve?
Lesley Worswick, chief executive of MRWA, said: “Our recycling centres are used more than three million times each year and provide an important service for households across Merseyside. As we plan for the future, we want to understand what people think about the proposals, what benefits they see and what concerns they may have.”
Currently, there is a limit on van and large trailer visits per year, but no limit on car or small trailer visits. Analysis of vehicle registration data shows that while most residents use HWRCs occasionally, a small number of vehicles visit significantly more frequently, with over 1,800 vehicles recorded visiting more than 52 times in a year. This suggests trade waste is potentially being brought to the sites.
How can residents take part?
Many waste authorities already operate annual visit limits. Under the proposal, limits would be introduced on the number of visits each vehicle could make to HWRCs each year. The consultation runs until September 22, and people can participate at www.merseysidewda.gov.uk/hwrc-consultation.
