The Calne Area Board met on Thursday 5 February 2026 to discuss changes to waste service delivery arrangements. A key decision was made regarding the Lower Compton Household Recycling Centre (HRC), with an improved offer from Hills Waste Solutions meaning it will not close as initially planned. The meeting also confirmed the move to three-weekly residual waste collections and discussed the trial of a booking system for HRCs.

Changes to Waste Service Delivery Arrangements

The Calne Area Board discussed significant changes to waste service delivery, following a decision by Wiltshire Council's Cabinet on 3 February 2026. Sarah Valdus, Director (Environment) for Wiltshire Council, presented an update on the situation.

It was announced that the Lower Compton Household Recycling Centre (HRC) would not be closing in August 2026 as previously planned. This decision was influenced by a materially improved offer received from Hills Waste Solutions, the company operating the site. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Thorn, stated that the Lower Compton HRC would remain open until a new HRC for the north of the county was operational, which is anticipated to be in approximately three to four years. The current arrangement with Hills Waste Solutions is a flexible one-year contract, with options to extend for two further years.

The meeting also confirmed that a trial of a booking system for HRCs would be implemented. This system is already in use by around half of local authorities in the UK. Furthermore, it was clarified that recyclable waste collections would continue on a weekly basis, even with the move to three-weekly collections for residual waste. A public survey is also being prepared to gather information on residents' waste and recycling habits to help shape future services from 2027.

During the public participation session, a majority of attendees expressed opposition to the move to three-weekly residual waste collections. Concerns were raised about the reduction in collection frequency, with questions about why weekly collections were no longer considered viable. Councillors explained that this was due to reduced funding from central government, increased demand for adult social care and special educational needs services, and a rise in the overall amount of waste produced. The council is required by law to provide an option for food waste collection from 2027, though residents cannot be mandated to use it. There were no changes to garden waste collection arrangements.

The proposed trial of a booking system for HRCs also generated considerable discussion. Some attendees voiced concerns that similar systems in other areas had led to a decrease in recycling rates and an increase in fly-tipping, questioning the research undertaken by the council. In response, it was noted that all neighbouring authorities to Wiltshire either currently use or plan to implement a booking system. The council intends to use the trial data to assess any potential impacts before making a final decision.

Residents highlighted the importance of the Lower Compton HRC to Calne, the fourth largest town in Wiltshire, and argued that its size, location, and status warranted its continued provision. Questions were raised about the necessity of a booking system at the current site, particularly given its location and the potential to deter non-Wiltshire residents. It was also questioned why Lower Compton was chosen for the trial if it was slated for closure within a few years. Officers explained that data from the trial would inform the requirements for a future HRC in the north of the county.

Regarding the link between booking systems and fly-tipping, a Cabinet Member for Waste cited research from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs which found no discernible link. However, some members of the public disputed this, suggesting that the data did not account for fly-tipping on private land, which they claimed was where most incidents occurred. The Cabinet Member also explained that bookings could be made online or by phone, and that walk-in visitors might be accommodated if there were available slots.

The cost of implementing a booking system was discussed, with assurances that it would be developed by the council's in-house IT service, thus limiting costs. The trial was scheduled to begin in August, a period identified as the busiest for the HRC. The majority of those present at the meeting indicated their opposition to the booking system trial.

Further discussion touched upon the future HRC for the north of the county, with sites in or around Royal Wootton Bassett being considered. The council welcomed suggestions for potential sites, but noted that priority would be given to council-owned land to reduce costs. Concerns were raised that if HRCs were too distant, residents might dispose of recyclable waste in their residual waste bins, thereby lowering recycling rates. The convenience of alternative sites near Chippenham and Devizes for Calne residents was questioned. The council stated it would investigate the financial viability of extending opening hours or days at other sites to compensate for the eventual closure of Lower Compton.

The cost of operating HRCs was also mentioned, with reference to comments from the Cabinet that the two Hills-operated sites were significantly more expensive for the council to run. Councillor Thorn thanked Hills for their engagement but stated that the contractual details were unaffordable given the council's overall financial position.

Several comments addressed the council's overall recycling rates, which were described as not being very good, with the closure of Lower Compton seen by some as supporting an ambition to increase rates from around 40% to over 60%. It was stated that the predicted increase in recycling rates was largely attributed to the broader package of waste service delivery changes.

Criticism was also made regarding the perceived lack of consultation before decisions were made. It was explained that the latest proposals were part of the administration's budget proposals, which would be debated by the Full Council. The differing contract extension terms for Lower Compton compared to the HRC at Purton were noted, with this attributed to flexibility and contractual penalties.

Ultimately, no members of the public present supported the eventual closure of the Lower Compton HRC. The meeting concluded with Area Board members thanking the public for their attendance and contributions.