Why are the Purton and Lower Compton HRCs closing?

Wiltshire Council said contract costs proposed by Hills Group had risen sharply. The contractor cited about 75% higher costs, while the council said the uplift was nearer 120%. With budgets tight, the parties could not agree terms, so the sites will shut from 31 July and services will be consolidated elsewhere.

What does this mean for Wiltshire waste services in the near term?

Expect longer drive times and possible queues at remaining sites as users shift. Some materials may move to kerbside if capacity is tight. The council will likely tweak opening hours and routing to manage demand. Investors should watch how volumes rebalance and whether temporary measures affect contamination or collection reliability.

What should investors monitor in the Hills Group contract context?

Look for any interim service arrangements, tender timetable changes, and updated indexation language. Track wage settlements, fuel costs, and power prices that drive gate fees. Watch for reopeners, volume bands, and penalty structures. These signals show whether pricing power is improving and how margins and cash conversion might stabilise.

Could the closures be paused or reversed later?

Councils can revisit service footprints if budgets improve or new tenders secure better terms. However, near-term relief is unlikely without clear funding or indexation changes. Residents should follow council updates for site alternatives and hours. Investors should focus on retender outcomes and whether revised contracts balance affordability with reliable service delivery.

Global Market Insights

December 29: Wiltshire Council Axes HRCs amid 120% Cost Dispute

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Wiltshire Council recycling c is in focus after the council confirmed the Purton and Lower Compton HRCs will close from 31 July following a pricing clash with Hills Group. The contractor cited about 75% higher costs, while the council said the uplift was closer to 120%. This gap signals sharp inflation in UK local-authority outsourcing. We assess what this means for Wiltshire waste services, the Hills Group contract dynamics, and how investors should position around repricing, service continuity, and future pipeline shifts.