The scheduled three-month closure of Gloucester’s household recycling centre in Hempsted has sparked concerns over a potential increase in fly-tipping across the city. The centre is set to close on 13 August to undergo improvements including the installation of six new compactors for general waste, garden refuse, and cardboard, all powered entirely by renewable electricity.
Gloucestershire County Council does not anticipate the centre will reopen until mid-November, which has prompted worries that fly-tipping may rise around the site’s entrance and elsewhere in Gloucester during this period.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Rebecca Trimnell voiced her apprehension about the timing of the closure. “It seems a very ill-conceived decision to close a recycling centre in the middle of the summer holidays when families are likely to have more time to make trips to the tip,” she said.
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As the Hempsted and Westgate county councillor and cabinet member at Gloucester City Council, Trimnell has called for close monitoring of fly-tipping incidents in the city. “It’s only right any costs to remove fly-tipped rubbish should actually be picked up by the county council,” she added.
“I hope there will be no delay in reopening, and that the work being undertaken will prove worthwhile despite the new policy introducing DIY excess charges for some residents.”
Lisa Spivey, Leader of the Lib Dem group at Shire Hall representing South Cerney, acknowledged the frustrations faced by regular users during the closure. She explained that the timing was chosen deliberately, with late summer into autumn usually seeing fewer visits than spring, to minimise disruption.
“This temporary closure is part of a significant investment in improving the facility for residents. While we appreciate the inconvenience, major upgrades of this scale cannot be carried out safely and efficiently while the site remains open.”
She further reassured residents that the council takes fly-tipping very seriously and, despite concerns, there is no evidence that temporary closures lead to an increase in illegal dumping. The council will continue cooperating with partners to tackle fly-tipping wherever it occurs. Alternative household recycling centres at Wingmoor Farm and Pyke Quarry will remain open seven days a week throughout the Hempsted closure.
Jeremy Hilton, the city council’s Lib Dem leader for Kingsholm and Wotton, emphasised the determination to combat fly-tipping in Gloucester. “Fly-tipping will not be tolerated and those caught illegally dumping rubbish will face fines of thousands of pounds,” he stated.
“Our environmental crime officers are committed to tracking down offenders and ensuring they face justice. Only this week, one individual was prosecuted and ordered to pay over £1,000 in penalties for illegally dumping waste on a city street.”