Overview
- The Liberal Democrat-led cabinet voted on December 9 to exit its contract with Hills Waste Services when it expires on July 31, 2026, closing the Purton and Lower Compton sites.
- Wiltshire Council cites an “unjustifiable” renewal fee, and MP Roz Savage says the cost to continue at Purton was quoted at four times its previous level.
- Royal Wootton Bassett is the leading option for a new north Wiltshire household recycling centre on council-owned land, with the Marlborough Road depot flagged for assessment and other local parcels under review.
- The council projects a new facility would not open before late 2028, leaving several years without local replacement provision once the current sites shut.
- Conservatives report their call-in bid was blocked and say they may seek a judicial review, while MPs and town councils urge retaining Purton in the interim and warn of longer journeys, higher emissions and increased fly-tipping.