Purpose

Officers consulted residents on the future of Bring Sites through Let’s Talk Dacorum between 14 November 2025 and 9 January 2026. A total of 126 responses were received. The consultation found that 86% of respondents used Bring Sites sometimes, rarely or never, while textiles and WEEE were the most commonly identified materials not currently collected at the kerbside. Respondents also highlighted overflowing bins, fly-tipping and illegal dumping as significant concerns.
The Council considered four options:
1.Retaining all sites;
2.Removing all sites;
3.Retaining textile and WEEE facilities while removing all DMR;
4.A hybrid approach that retains textile and WEE facilities and DMR only where no alternative can be offered.
Officers recommended the hybrid approach, Option 4 and this approach was supported at Strategic Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 June 2026.

Decision

To approve the removal of the Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) Bring Sites in Dacorum with the exception of facilities at Bellgate and The Heights neighbourhood centres.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - No change and retain all Bring Sites. Rejected because this would not address declining use, duplication with kerbside recycling, or ongoing problems with fly-tipping, overflowing containers and illegal commercial waste.
Option 2 - Remove all Bring Sites. Rejected because early exit from textile and WEEE arrangements may have financial implications and removing all facilities would remove useful recycling routes for materials not yet collected at the kerbside.
Option 3 - Retain textile and WEEE sites but remove all DMR. Rejected because two DMR sites in Highfield, at Bellgate and The Heights shops, do not currently have a feasible alternative recycling arrangement.
Option 4 - Hybrid approach. Recommended because it removes DMR where existing or replacement provision is available, retains DMR where no feasible alternative exists, and keeps textile and WEEE facilities under the current contractual arrangements.