Hertfordshire's county recycling centres are getting an upgrade this spring — and it'll soon be a bit different for everyone dropping off rubbish. The council has approved plans to introduce a digital "E-pass" system that residents will need to register for before they can use any of the county's recycling sites. 

📲 What's Changing?

From spring 2026, everyone using a Hertfordshire recycling centre — including those at Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Ware, Rickmansworth and others — will need to apply for a simple online E-pass before they arrive. It's part of a wider plan to:

• Prioritise access for Hertfordshire residents, helping ensure the service is used by people paying for it through council tax.  
• Reduce misuse by non-residents or people trying to dump commercial waste.  
• Keep staff focused on helping users, rather than spending time on manual checks.  

Unlike some neighbouring counties that have strict booking systems, the e-pass won't lock you into a specific time or day — you'll simply need to register beforehand and then turn up as normal. 

🧰 DIY Waste Gets a Better Deal

Under the new arrangements, there'll also be an option to pay a small fee for DIY waste above legal free limits, rather than being turned away at the gate. This should help those doing bigger home projects avoid multiple trips or refusals. 

📊 Local Feedback & Perspectives

Public consultation showed around two-thirds of residents supported both the e-pass idea and the updated DIY waste option. These changes were backed at a recent council meeting. 

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Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment at Hertfordshire County Council, said the changes will help manage rising costs and better protect a service that's important to local communities. 

🔁 What Hitchin Residents Should Do

If you live in Hitchin or anywhere in Hertfordshire and use one of the local recycling centres:

• Keep an eye out for information from the council about how to register for your E-pass.  
• Remember that this isn't a booking system — just a registration step before you visit.  
• Expect the changes to start rolling out from spring 2026.