10.10.11
Recycling reduction in Essex
New proposals to close and reduce recycling centres in Essex County Council have been criticised by residents and councillors. The plans will see two sites close completely, and a further nine to have their opening days cut.
The changes could save the council £500,000, yet opponents claim it will increase the amount of fly-tipping, and is not a long term solution for saving money. Centres in Tendring, Colchester and Witham will be affected, including the site at St.Osyth which will be shut down.
Sites in Kirby-le-Soken, Dovercourt and Lawford will have their opening days reduced from seven days to five. The centre in Witham will open six days a week instead of seven.
County Councillor Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, met with representatives from St Osyth on September 27 to discuss the proposals where it was suggested the site remain open a few days a week but these have been since been rejected.
Figures show that less people are using recycling centres as more home collections are carried out.
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