Hempsted Household Recycling Centre will close later than expected next year after Gloucestershire County Council confirmed essential repair works will take longer than originally planned.
The site had been due to shut in early January 2026 and reopen by Easter, but further assessments have shown that timetable is no longer achievable. The council said the centre’s location on an old landfill means additional groundwork is required, making an Easter reopening unrealistic – particularly during one of the busiest times of year.
Councillor Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction, said the authority understood the change would cause inconvenience.
“We’re truly sorry for the disruption this may cause,” he said. “Our aim is to choose the best possible time for the closure, when the centre is least used, and to carry out the work in better weather to avoid delays. We’ll keep residents updated as soon as confirmed dates are in place.”
The planned improvements are intended to make the site safer, more sustainable and easier to use. They include new surfacing, modern waste compactors powered by renewable energy and the creation of a new Reuse Shop, where items can be repaired and given a second life.
Additional measures will also be introduced to improve the handling of electrical waste, along with new electric vehicle charging points for service vehicles.
While Hempsted HRC is closed, residents will still be able to use other recycling centres across the county, including Pyke Quarry and Wingmoor Farm, both of which operate seven days a week. Alternative options such as kerbside collections, bring banks and the bulky waste service will also remain available.