Residents want access to closer recycling centers to avoid long trips due to county border rules, citing cost and environmental concerns.
Berkeley locals drive thirteen miles to Horsley. Thornbury’s tip is closer at six and a half miles. Dymock residents have a similar problem, as Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye are closer. Instead, they drive fourteen miles to Hempsted or Coleford.
Councillor Cohen said this is costly and bad for the environment. It impacts many homes. Harder waste disposal may increase flytipping, which harms landscapes and is costly.
Cohen presented a petition with 314 signatures at a council meeting. She spoke about residents on the A38’s end, explaining that border residents lack convenient services.
Stone and Newport people drive thirteen miles because Horsley tip is too far away, even though Thornbury tip is only six miles away. Cohen feels better communication is needed and believes border residents suffer because of this.
David Gray said South Gloucestershire has restrictions. In 2016, they blocked waste from other areas, including waste from Bristol and Gloucestershire. Talks with South Gloucestershire happened in 2018, but no agreement allowed Gloucestershire access then.
South Gloucestershire adds a booking system soon, and Gloucestershire asked about a cross-border deal. Gloucestershire officials want to meet with South Gloucestershire to explore a potential solution. South Gloucestershire applies resident-only rules now and have not shown flexibility on tip access.