Currently 13 of Norfolk’s 19 recycling centres operate seven days a week, with the remaining six ‘part time’ centres only open Friday to Monday.
The change is estimated to save £200,000 per annum.
The proposal was introduced as part of the 2024-25 budget setting process and included a proposal to switch of 2% of streetlights.
Neighbouring authorities in Suffolk and Lincolnshire have operated a similar policy for several years.
Although Norfolk recycling centres currently receive slightly fewer visits on a Thursday (11%) than a Wednesday (12%), the council is concerned that closing on this day might cause issues with cross border waste and increased costs.
The move comes as the total tonnage of waste received at Norfolk’s recycling centres is increasing, with a 21% increase in 2023-24 compared to the previous year.
According to the BBC, leader Kay Mason Billig told the council on Monday (5 August) that they needed to find £41.5 million in savings this financial year.
She added: “We really have to look at every single part of our budget.”
A five-week public consultation revealed that 62% of the 956 people surveyed disagreed or strongly disagreed with the proposal, despite positive feedback on switching off streetlights. The council said that despite the lack of support, they are asking the cabinet to push forward with the policy.
Concerns around recycling centre closures
Residents took to social media to express concerns around increased fly-tipping and layoffs if the policy is introduced.
The council said that if the proposal was successful, it would host a staff consultation followed by a 12-week notice period for any retrenchments. The process would likely take until the end of the current financial year.
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