Changes to the Raynesway HWRC booking system and the introduction of free bulky waste collection weeks could be coming to Derby if approved by Cabinet next month. Along with these changes, Cabinet will also be asked to approve increased fines for littering and fly-tipping as part of a programme of increased enforcement action across the city.
The Raynesway HWRC booking system first introduced in 2020 to reduce queuing and traffic on nearby roads, was welcomed by some residents but others found it difficult to use. However, in a bid to boost recycling across the city, and offer more flexibility to residents a proposal to remove the booking system on Sundays will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 6 December.
A key pledge from the new administration, when it took control of the Council in May, was to re-introduce free bulky waste collections, to help reduce fly-tipping. Under a new proposal, the Council is looking to launch two weeks of free bookable collections per year from April 2024. If approved, there would be one week in the spring and one in the winter. At other times, the charges would remain in place. Residents would be informed of the free bookable days ahead of time.
The report to Cabinet also includes a proposal to increase fines for littering and fly-tipping in line with changes to national regulations. A littering fine would increase to £150 and fly-tipping would carry a £600 fine. Currently, the cost to the Council for removing fly-tipping is £330,000 per year. It is hoped that increased fines and more proactive investigation and enforcement through an external provider could reduce this cost.
Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride commented:
“In our manifesto, we pledged to make it easier for residents to recycle and dispose of waste. These proposals represent a clear step towards this pledge and will help to improve access to Raynesway HWRC and bulky waste collections.
“There is no excuse for fly-tipping waste in our city and as this report shows, we’re very clear that we want to take the action needed to fine and prosecute offenders who damage the environment. If these proposals are approved, we’ll be issuing further information to all residents in early 2024.”
Further details on the proposed changes to Raynesway HWRC and bulky waste collections can be found in the Cabinet Report.
More information about what can and can’t be taken to Raynesway HWRC and how to book a visit is available on the Council website along with information about booking a bulky waste collection.