Calderdale’s tips are set for a shake up as the council tries to save money in an effort to balance the budget.
For the second consecutive year Calderdale Council is looking to cut back on the authority’s household waste and recycling services – either by shutting down one of its five centres, or closing all centres for one day a week. Financially speaking, the council could save around £180,000 annually if the proposed adjustments get the green light.
Last year, the notion of shutting down the Elland waste and recycling centre in Ainleys sparked uproar among local residents and councillors, although the plan was subsequently shelved. Those in favour of the closure argued that other nearby centres in Brighouse, Halifax, and Sowerby Bridge could serve Elland’s needs, but critics said it would increase road traffic, prompt longer queues at alternate sites, and cause a possible rise in fly-tipping.
The Calderdale Liberal Democrats have suggested the council close all five centres – the fifth is in Todmorden – one day a week during quieter periods as a less disruptive cost-saving strategy.
Halifax Town Hall
Officers have presented two “viable” options for consideration at Monday, January 13’s Cabinet meeting. The first is to revisit plans to close the Elland centre, and the second is closing all five centres for two days a week on a ‘staggered’ basis, ensuring alternative sites are available every day, starting Autumn 2025.
If either option is chosen, the effect of those savings would be seen in the 2026-27 fiscal period.
A permit system targeted at allowing only Calderdale locals to use the sites appears to be paying dividends in terms of savings, as per the briefing provided to councillors.
Should these proposals get the green light, the council would still align with national standards for service provision, which suggest a minimum of one centre per 120,000 people or 50,000 households. Presently in Calderdale, there’s a more favourable ratio of one facility for every 42,000 individuals and one per 19,000 households, the report states.
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