A NUMBER of household recycling centres in Dorset face uncertain futures, under cost-cutting plans revealed this week.

Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP), the umbrella organisation formed in 2011 to take care of the county’s waste, recycling and street cleaning services, has announced a public consultation which involve a number of options – including shutting down one or more sites or charging entry fees to residents.

DWP bosses say up to £100,000 could be recouped for each site shut down, while potential savings of £65,000 per year could be clawed back per centre by charging entry fees.

Residents are being asked to say how they might be affected by the following options:

  • Closing one or more household recycling centre;
  • Charging entry at one or more household recycling centre;
  • Closing all household recycling centres for two or three weekdays;
  • Charging residents to dispose of non-household materials, such as DIY and tyres;
  • Charging residents to use household recycling centres in neighbouring areas, which the DWP currently subsidises.

Figures show the closure of all sites for two or three days could save up to £300,000, and by implementing an across the board non-household material charge the DWP could save up to quarter of a million pounds annually.

DWP chairman Cllr Anthony Alford said: “The DWP needs to recognise the major reductions in funding for our partner councils and do what we can to help them meet their target savings.

“We need to look at everything we do and ensure we provide an efficient and effective service.”

Christchurch Borough Council, Purbeck District Council, North Dorset District Council and East Dorset District Council are among the seven partner councils of the DWP.

The consultation is open until midnight on Friday, February 13. Residents can read the consultation information and complete the online questionnaire at dorsetforyou.com/hrc