Residents using Gloucestershire’s household recycling centres will have continued access to Pyke Quarry in Horsley seven days a week while the Hempsted site remains closed for improvement works.
Gloucestershire County Council now expects Hempsted recycling centre to reopen on Saturday, December 5. The reopening had originally been planned for mid-November, but delays in equipment arriving from suppliers have pushed the date back.
What is changing at Pyke Quarry
Pyke Quarry would normally close on Wednesdays. Its extended seven-day opening schedule will continue until Hempsted reopens. Once the site is back in operation, Pyke Quarry will return to its usual six-day pattern, with Wednesday closures restarting on December 9.
The arrangement is intended to provide an alternative while major works continue at Hempsted. The project is designed to improve the site and make its service more efficient and reliable.
Work still under way at Hempsted
Work completed so far includes concreting the central yard, improving drainage, repairing the tipping wall, laying new tarmac and installing fencing. Nine new containers have been delivered, while three of the six new waste compactors have arrived.
Before the centre can reopen, contractors still need to complete electrical work and road markings and return the recycling banks and containers. Four electric vehicle charging points are also being installed.
Bookings and planned reuse shop
Bookings for vans, pickups and large trailers at Hempsted are due to reopen on Saturday, November 14. Car bookings are scheduled to follow from Saturday, November 21.
A new reuse shop is also expected to open at Hempsted early next year. It will allow suitable items brought to the recycling centre to be reused instead of being thrown away.
“We know people will be keen to see Hempsted reopen and I’d like to thank residents for their patience while these improvements are completed.
“Some supplier delays have meant the work has taken a little longer than we had hoped, but work is continuing across the site and we’re looking forward to welcoming residents back in December.
“These improvements will help provide a better, more efficient and reliable recycling service for residents.”
Cllr Ashley Bowkett, cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction, thanked residents for their patience as the work continues.
