Gloucestershire residents are being warned to take extra care when disposing of unwanted fridges and freezers amid a national backlog that has temporarily disrupted collections at the county’s Household Recycling Centres.
Gloucestershire County Council has written to Environment Minister Emma Hardy MP calling for urgent Government action, after a shortage of processing capacity across the waste industry forced the temporary suspension of fridge and freezer collections.
The council says the problem is national rather than Gloucestershire-specific, with councils and waste operators across the country affected.
Cllr Ashley Bowkett, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate and Waste Reduction, said the situation was causing frustration for residents who wanted to dispose of appliances responsibly.
“This is not a Gloucestershire problem. It is a national issue that is affecting councils across the country and causing frustration for residents who want to dispose of old appliances responsibly.”
He said the council was pressing the Government for support to resolve the issue and restore normal disposal arrangements.
The council is also warning residents to be particularly vigilant when paying someone to remove an unwanted fridge or freezer, amid concerns about increased fly-tipping.
Cllr Bowkett said: “Residents can help protect themselves and the environment by making sure anyone they pay to remove waste is a licensed waste carrier.”
He warned that householders could still face consequences if waste illegally dumped by an unlicensed operator was traced back to them.
While the backlog continues, residents are being urged to consider retailer take-back schemes, bulky waste collections offered by district and borough councils, and safe storage at home where appropriate.
The county council said previous short-term HRC closures had not resulted in evidence of a direct increase in fly-tipping, but added that it would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Further updates will be issued as the national waste industry works through the backlog.
