Residents in Cheshunt will now need to register for a free electronic pass, known as an ePass, before visiting the Hoddesdon Household Waste Recycling Centre. This new requirement, which came into effect on 1 April 2026, applies to all visitors intending to use the facility on Pindar Road.
Hertfordshire County Council introduced the system to help manage rising service pressures, including higher volumes of waste and increasing operating costs. The council notes that the digital pass will help prioritise local residents and prevent misuse of the site. A public consultation held prior to the launch showed that 67 percent of respondents supported the new measures.
The process uses automatic cameras that recognise your vehicle registration number when you arrive at the centre, meaning you do not need to print or display any physical permits. Households can register for up to two passes, which can be a combination of car ePasses or a mix of a car pass and a van or trailer permit. Car passes are valid for three years and do not limit how often you can visit.
The system also assists in tracking the disposal of DIY waste, which is legally classified as industrial waste. By recording these visits, the council can monitor whether residents are exceeding their free allowances across multiple sites. If a resident goes over their limit, they can pay a small charge to dispose of the materials rather than being turned away.
While the centre is primarily for Hertfordshire residents, those who pay their Council Tax to Essex councils may also use the facility. However, these visitors are restricted to using only cars, as vans and trailers are not permitted for out-of-county users at this site.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
