Residents in Rickmansworth and across the county must now use a free digital pass to access any of the 16 recycling centres in Hertfordshire. The new e-pass system, which began a phased rollout on 1 April 2026, requires all households to register their vehicles online before visiting their local site.
The system works through automatic number plate recognition cameras installed at the entrances of all recycling centres. When a driver arrives, the cameras scan their registration to confirm they have a valid pass, meaning residents no longer need to book a time slot in advance or display any physical permits in their vehicles.
According to Hertfordshire County Council, the move is designed to ensure that sites are prioritised for local residents and to provide better control over waste being brought to the centres. Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, the council’s Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, noted that the change follows a public consultation held last year where 67 per cent of residents expressed support for the digital pass approach. The new system is part of a broader effort by the council to manage rising waste volumes and find savings within its budget.
Each household can apply for up to two e-passes, which remain valid for three years. There are no limits on how many times a resident can visit a recycling centre. For those who do not have internet access or an email address, the council offers assistance via telephone or through staff available at the recycling centres.
This digital initiative replaces previously suggested cost-cutting plans, which had included introducing a booking system and reducing opening hours at some locations. Alongside the new pass, the council has also introduced a service allowing residents to pay for the disposal of excess DIY waste that falls outside of current free legal limits, preventing the need for staff to turn away such items.
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