The temporary change is due to a national shortage of places able to recycle old fridges and freezers, which is affecting councils and waste companies across the country.

The Council is working with its waste contractor to find out how long the disruption is likely to last and will provide an update as soon as it is able to accept these appliances again.

Herefordshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, said:

“We know this is frustrating, particularly if you’ve got an old fridge or freezer that you need to get rid of.

“This isn’t a problem unique to Herefordshire. There simply aren’t enough specialist facilities currently available to recycle these appliances, and councils across the country are having to make temporary changes to their services.

“We’re working with our partners to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, if you can safely keep your old appliance at home for a short while, we’d ask you to do so.

“Please don’t use an unlicensed waste carrier to get rid of it. You could end up with your appliance being dumped illegally and, if it is traced back to you, you could be held responsible.”

What can I do with my old fridge or freezer?

If you need to get rid of an appliance while the temporary suspension is in place, you can:

• Give it away or sell it: If your appliance is still in good working order, consider giving it away or selling it so it can be reused. Find out more about reusing unwanted items on the Council’s website, including links to services such as Freegle and Freecycle. Find out more here: Reuse it - Herefordshire Council
• Can it be repaired?
• A retailer take-back scheme: If you’re buying a replacement fridge or freezer, ask the retailer whether they can take your old appliance away.
• Store it safely: If possible, safely store your fridge or freezer at home until household recycling centres are able to accept them again.
• This is a national issue so other licensed waste carriers may be experiencing the same problem. Please check where they will be taking your item to if you use one.
• Do not use any unlicensed operators as they may illegally dump waste, and residents can be held responsible if their waste is found illegally disposed of. 

The Council will keep the situation under review and provide further information when there is an update.

Find out more about waste and recycling in Herefordshire here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/