Hertfordshire residents will need to sign up for new ‘e-pass’ recycling system as plans are approved
A new digital e-pass system is being introduced for residents using Hertfordshire recycling centres, as well as a paid option to recycle larger DIY waste loads.
The council cabinet has approved plans to introduce a new digital “e‑pass” system for residents and to bring in a new paid option for recycling DIY waste over the free legal limits at the county’s recycling centres.
With access restrictions already in place in many neighbouring local authority areas and with rising service costs, these changes will prioritise access for residents of Hertfordshire and strengthen controls to prevent misuse. It will also provide the option to pay for disposal of DIY waste above the free lawful limits currently in place.
The plans will be implemented gradually from spring 2026, when all visitors will need to apply for an E‑pass to access the centres. The process will be quick to register and residents won’t need to book a specific day or time of arrival like in some other areas. Updated DIY waste arrangements will allow residents to pay for any material above the free legal limits, rather than being refused access at the centres.
Public feedback was gathered at a consultation ahead of the decision, and the introduction of an E-pass system saw strong support from 67% of respondees. The new option to pay for excess DIY waste gained positive support from 65% of respondees.
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The plans were agreed yesterday (February 11) as part of the Council’s wider programme to manage rising service pressures across the Recycling Centre network which has been receiving more waste, more visits, and an increase in operating costs each year.
“We know how important the service is to residents and, back in the summer of last year, we scrapped proposals to introduce a booking system and reduce the days of operation at four of our centres.
“The plans approved yesterday were options that residents supported as part of a public consultation we ran last year and will provide better controls on waste that should not be entering our Recycling Centres, meaning we can prioritise use by Hertfordshire residents.
“We’re also providing an improved offer for residents who need to dispose of waste from DIY work at their homes by allowing them to pay a small charge, rather than turning away quantities that are higher than the current lawful limits. We believe that these changes will improve the customer experience for Hertfordshire residents as well as helping contribute to the wider council savings required.”
More information will be communicated later on to ensure residents understand what the E‑pass is, how to register, and what the updated DIY waste policy means for them as part of the phased roll out from spring.