Council updates cyclist recycling centre rules

The booking system at several Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) in Cornwall will be updated to allow cyclists, Cornwall Council has said.

The update by the council came after litter picker Julian Hutchinson was told he could not use his bicycle to deliver rubbish to a HWRC in Bude.

Mr Hutchinson, who posted a video of his interaction with a site worker online, said it was "ridiculous" he couldn't return to the centre on a bike.

Cornwall Council has since confirmed cyclists are allowed and said it was "thankful to all volunteers that help keep Cornwall clean".

Mr Hutchinson cycles with a specially-constructed trailer on the back of his bike to hold items of rubbish as well as his dog, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The 74-year-old, who wears a kilt while litter picking to make himself recognisable to the public, said he often used his bike to pick up litter along the A39.

He said: "There are no signs on their gates saying no bicycles.

"It does say no pedestrians, I do appreciate that, but as far as I'm concerned a bicycle and trailer is a legal vehicle."

Mr Hutchinson said an employee from Suez, which runs the recycling centres on behalf of Cornwall Council, told him to come back in a car.

The litter picker, who does not own a car, added: "It appears identifying people through ANPR is more important than cleaning our world."

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "We are currently trialling a booking system at seven of the HWRCs which requires all visitors to book a slot in advance.

"We will update the booking form to enable cyclists to book.

"Cyclists are permitted to visit Cornwall's Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs)."

It said for safety reasons, pedestrians were not permitted at the sites.

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