Leicestershire residents asked their thoughts on proposed changes to waste sites

The council is proposing to close three sites.

Residents are being urged to have their say on plans to make changes to the recycling and household waste sites service in Leicestershire.

The proposals include:

• Closing three recycling and household waste sites - Market Harborough, Shepshed and Somerby  
• Changing the opening days at Bottesford and Melton Mowbray   
• Closing all sites on Christmas Eve   
• Changing summer opening hours at all recycling and household waste sites

The 12-week consultation is open until 24 January 2024.

Leicestershire County Council says that the proposed closures would save £270,000 per year, with the change in summer opening hours saving a further £150,000 per year.

The three sites proposed for closure take 11% of the overall tonnage of waste disposed of.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and green agenda, said:  “We’re in listening mode here. We want to know what people think of our pragmatic proposals that make savings but also minimise any impact on residents. 

“We’re the lowest funded council in the UK and we’re doing what we can to make services as efficient as possible, but the growing pressures mean we have to make tough decisions like the ones put forward here.

“Please complete the consultation as we really do welcome everyone’s thoughts.”

A link to the consultation

 www.leicestershire.gov.uk/waste-site-changes.