Oxfordshire’s recycling centres to temporarily stop accepting fridges and freezers from non-county residents
A national crisis in recycling capacity has prompted Oxfordshire’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) to only accept fridges and freezers from Oxfordshire residents.
Oxfordshire County Council, which operates the county’s seven HWRCs, said it would temporarily stop accepting the items from people living outside the county in order to prioritise Oxfordshire residents.
The measure reflects a nationwide shortage of specialist facilities able to process fridges and freezers.
This has created a significant backlog across the sector, with some councils around the country suspending acceptance of all fridges and freezers at their HWRCs.
Oxfordshire County Council’s targeted approach is intended to reduce incoming tonnage and protect limited storage capacity, while maintaining the service for Oxfordshire households.
The HWRC booking system has been adjusted so that non-Oxfordshire customers can no longer select fridges or freezers when making a booking, and customers with existing bookings will also be contacted to advise them of the temporary restriction.
The situation will be kept under close review and the council will continue discussions with its contractor and disposal outlets.
Customers are reminded to book a slot online on Oxfordshire County Council’s website before visiting their HWRC. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.
Residents without internet access can book slots over the telephone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am - 5pm, Monday – Thursday, and 8.45am - 4pm on Fridays.
Oxfordshire customers are also reminded to bring proof of address with them when visiting an HWRC – such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill – as visitors from outside the county will be charged £15.
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