Residents in Telford are now required to prove they live in the borough to use council recycling centres, as new rules took effect on 1 April 2026. The policy at the Hortonwood and Halesfield recycling sites was introduced by Telford & Wrekin Council to stop people from outside the area from using local facilities.
According to the council, roughly 30,000 visits each year, or about one in ten, were made by non-residents. Officials stated that removing this financial burden helps protect frontline services and keeps garden waste collections free for local households. A reciprocal arrangement that previously allowed residents from the Shropshire Council area to use Telford sites has now ended.
When visiting the recycling centres, residents may be asked by Neighbourhood Support Officers to show proof of address. Accepted documents include a driving licence, a utility bill, or a council tax bill. Digital copies of these documents shown on a mobile phone are also acceptable. The council confirmed that these are visual checks only and no personal data will be recorded or stored.
The changes have faced criticism from Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, who described the policy as ill-thought-through. He expressed concern that the new rules could lead to an increase in fly-tipping and force residents in border areas, such as Shifnal and Sheriffhales, to travel significantly further to reach alternative facilities.
In response to concerns about potential illegal dumping, the council highlighted that fly-tipping is a crime. Those convicted in a Magistrates’ Court face penalties including a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment.
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