HAMPSHIRE residents are being asked what they would like from their local tips, in a countywide consultation on household waste recycling centres.

The county council is looking at options for running tips, and wants to know how people use them, in order to save money while keeping the services people rely on.

Cllr Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “Services across the council have to find savings, and this is no exception.

“We have an excellent record for diverting waste from landfill in Hampshire, and we want to keep it that way.

“We’ve looked carefully at how residents are using household recycling centres, the frequency of use and the type of waste disposed of.

“We have some options that would either save money or generate income to offset costs, to ensure the service is sustainable in the long-term.

“What we need to do now, is find out from Hampshire’s residents what they think of these options, and hear what’s most important to people.”

The council wants to look at measures to reduce the amount of trade waste wrongly disposed of at sites, which is expensive to dispose of.

The council also wants to find a way of recovering the cost of the disposal of bulky and hazardous DIY waste such as soil, rubble and plasterboard, which is not classified as household waste and is also expensive to dispose of.

Opening times will also be reviewed, and working with charities or communities to increase re-use of furniture and other items will also be looked at.

The consultation runs until August 22.

To take part go to www.hants.gov.uk/recycling or get a paper copy from district council offices and libraries.

Copies can also be requested by emailing hwrc.consultation@hants.gov.uk or calling 0845 603 5634.