DIY waste is to be reintroduced at one of North Cornwall’s household refuse stations amid sweeping changes to how rubbish is handled across the area, including the trial of a booking system.

Redevelopment works have taken place at Launceston’s refuse transfer station in recent months, meaning that from Friday, November 29, full service was resumed.

In addition to the reintroduction of DIY waste, paper, cans and mixed plastics will also return.

After a change of regulations, the Launceston household waste recycling centre (HWRC) will be one of nine which will accept upholstered furniture items.

Adrian Parsons, the Cornwall Council member for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland said: “The redevelopment works at the Launceston Refuse Transfer Station have been completed and the site to full service from Friday November 29. This means that from this day they will be reintroducing DIY waste, paper, and cans and mixed plastics waste streams to the site.

“In addition, Launceston will be one of nine HWRC sites across Cornwall that will be able to accept upholstered furniture items, following a change to regulations set by the Environment Agency that come into force on December 1.

“To support the site in returning to full service, we have now been told they are moving to a booking system trial to include Launceston HWRC, which is being launched from November 29.

“Residents will be asked to book a slot before attending. However, during this soft launch period they will not turn anyone away if they have not made a booking. From January 2, 2025 we will be asking all visitors to make a booking before attending site.

“Booking a 30-minute slot can be done on the Cornwall Council website. If residents have a question or can’t get online they can call 0300 1234 141. Bookings can be made for the same day, if there are spaces available, or up to a week in advance.

“I doubt this will be popular and have to admit I’m a bit surprised by the decision, as I don’t think there has ever been an issue with queuing at this site in the past, so we will wait and see how things play out!”