All ‘bring bank’ recycling centres in south Bucks could be scrapped amid criticisms people are “misusing” the sites – leading to contamination of waste.

Plans have been revealed to scrap all 32 recycling centres in the Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern districts – ahead of the launch of a new joint waste collection contract in spring 2020.

A report published by South Bucks District Council (SBDC) says businesses are failing to dispose of trade waste correctly as “little effort” is made to separate it resulting in “excessive levels of contamination.”

In October the joint waste team – covering the three districts – called for all bring banks to be closed, and a review is now set to be carried out before the new contract is implemented.

Cleaning up spillages, fly-tips and the cost of sorting contaminated waste now outweighs the benefits of the recycling centres, according to SBDC.

The report, presented to a SBDC policy advisory group last week, states: “The benefits delivered by the recycling centres in terms of useful recycling and convenience for residents are now not proportionate to the costs of collection and sorting of material, the need for clearance of spillages and fly tips and the cost of disposal of contaminated material.

“Resource used to clear debris and fly-tipped waste from recycling centres, could be more efficiently utilised in other high demand service areas.

“The removal of all recycling centres across the three districts will be helpful in that it will simplify the procurement process currently underway for a new joint waste collection and street cleaning contract, which is due to commence in spring 2020.”

The council insists recycling has not dropped following the closure of other rubbish banks in the area, and anti-social behaviour at the sites has reduced as a result.

If plans are given the go-ahead the centres will be closed after Christmas.

The SBDC report added: “Procurement work is well under way for the next joint waste collection and street cleaning contract and this presents an opportunity to try and reach a common position across all three districts with the discontinuation of council operated recycling centres throughout.

“In common with most contract procurements it is felt that costs may rise and making minor service changes such as this are a way of mitigating potential increases without significantly reducing future service levels.”

A Bucks County Council consultation into the closure of the Bledlow Ridge and Burnham rubbish tips ended recently ended – with thousands of people sharing their views on the controversial plans.

Will you be affected by the potential changes? Contact jasmine.rapson@newsquest.co.uk