PLANS to charge some residents for using Hampshire tips are going to be implemented next month.

From August 1 non-Hampshire residents who would want to use the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) will be charged £5.

As reported, the scheme was expected to be launched in April but rubbish tips across the county were shut due to the pandemic.

Now Hampshire County Council has confirmed that the new measure will be in place from next month.

The centres’ services will remain free for all Hampshire residents but they will have to register as the new system will be controlled by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

At the meeting of the executive member for economy, transport and environment decision day held on July 2, county bosses said the scheme will start with a “soft launch” for three months so that residents “get used to it” and those who have not registered will have another chance to do so.

Charges will not apply for Dorset Council residents, following an agreement between Dorset Council and Hampshire County Council.

The recycling centre in Millbrook, Southampton will be excluded from the charging scheme.

However, the agreement with West Berkshire Council regarding Hampshire residents access to the Newtown Road site in West Berkshire will cease at the end of this month.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment at the county council, said: “Dealing with household waste is costly, which is why a number of our neighbouring authorities have already banned residents from outside their areas using their HWRCs.

“This is not our intention in Hampshire – instead, a charge of £5 per visit for non-Hampshire residents will be introduced from August to offset the £500,000 annual cost of dealing with waste from non-Hampshire residents visiting our sites.”

The council said more than 345,000 households have already registered for the system.

Cllr Humby added: “We’re introducing this system because I want to find a way that provides effective and environmentally practicable options for residents who live close to Hampshire’s borders, to continue to access our HWRCs, but in a way that is fairer to Hampshire residents who pay for the cost of the service through their council tax.”

Southampton City Council has also encouraged residents in the city to sign up to the scheme.

In a statement the authority said: “Residents who do not sign up to the scheme will have to pay a £5 charge in order to dispose of waste at any Hampshire County Council recycling centres outside of Southampton.

"The Millbrook Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) will be excluded from a charging scheme.

"The decision ensures all of Southampton’s residents can continue to use the Millbrook facilities free of charge, maximising recycling rates.”