Cornwall’s dumps reviewed from ‘slick’ recycling operation to rude users and a ‘well kept bush’

If you have a bucket list of days out in mind it’s fairly likely a trip to the tip doesn’t make the cut. More a journey made out of necessity than eagerness, the dump is a part of all our lives whether we like it or not.

And as the season of spring cleaning and garden makeovers creeps upon us – trips to the local recycling center become all the rage it seems. But despite being a seemingly boring aspect of adult life, some people have been left pretty impressed with our tips. So much so they’ve been persuaded to write glowing reviews instead of getting down in the dumps over the chore.

Among those reviews one of our tips, as they are often called, has been praised for being a “slick operation” with some frequent praise for the usually friendly staff manning the fort – or manning the fork lifts. Another reviewer said the view from a particular Cornish site was so impressive he ought to bring his camera next time. Another said their local dump had a very pleasant smell, surprisingly.

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Others said rude customers let the experience down. Some vented their anger at the Covid pandemic registration plate rule. At the time you could only visit the recycling centers on alternate days depending on your number plate being an odd or even number (remember that?).

Here’s just a small flavor of reviews left for some of Cornwall’s 14 household waste and recycling centers in recent years, all of which are operated by SUEZ on behalf of Cornwall Council:

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Bude

“Very clean, great smell, well trimmed bush, experienced and gentle staff.” This review was left four years ago.

“This is an excellent centre. Tidy, well organized and the staff are outstanding. Tremendously helpful.” This review was left four years ago.

Connon Bridge

“Everything was too much trouble, even pointing to where the small electrical goes, relatives ignorant unhelpful, they were obviously deeply unhappy with their jobs, the total opposite of my usual landfill near Tintagel.” This review was left a year ago.

“Spot on. Nice clear entry, loads of parking available. The chap who was in all the high-vis wet weather gear was very helpful and considerate I noticed to the elderly lady carrying a TV. Top bloke. Will most definitely be coming back again. Thank you for your help getting rid of our rubbish.” This review was left seven months ago.

Falmouth and Penryn

“The staff are absolutely fantastic! Always friendly, happy to help and cheerful. It’s a pleasure to go there. (And I’ve been there a lot lately.) Thank you to all the lovely staff.” This review was left nine months ago.

Helston

“These guys are faultlessly cheerful, helpful, good natured and professional. I take items to the recycling center several times a week and have never had any issues. Polite, efficient, friendly (even in driving rain) It’s actually a pleasure to visit! ” This review was left a year ago.

“The guy who runs it is not pleasant. Every time I’m there he’ll do his utmost to upset people. He needs to understand its a public service provided for the public who by the way pay his wages. I get the impression it’s a power trip for him rather than trying to help people. I actually hate going there because of him. I’ve started going to one further away to avoid him.” This review was left a year ago.

Launceston

“Always clean and tidy here, very clear where to put things, friendly staff and feel safe at this facility. However was disappointed at my recent visit to see the ‘fun’ display of gnomes, small garden ornaments etc has had to be removed. I think the staff should be applauded for their initiative to save these items from landfill (I know some found new homes) and to raise a smile. Let’s face it the world is full of sorrow and this place is a waste re-cycling center, not Harrods.” This review was left a year ago.

“Really well run, friendly helpful staff. Wish they could come to London and show the arrogant people at my local place how it could and should be run. Thank You 10/10.” This review was left a year ago.

They expect you to separate tiles from plasterboard when they are glued to each other wasted my time. And people wonder why some people fly like that.” This review was left a year ago.

“Put some people in a high vis jacket and they are suddenly consumed with power, seem to think they are far superior to us mere mortals. Rude, officious, and arrogant staff full of their own self importance. Constantly on their mobile phones only looking up to grunt and point when someone attempts to seek assistance. (Obviously there were no jobs available at the left hand screwdriver factory.) Their abhorrent attitude doesn’t encourage people to recycle. (No wonder there is so much fly tipping in Launceston. ) Reported to the council and Suez for being offensive, ignorant and down right rude.” This review was left four years ago.

Newquay

“Website says open until 4pm. I drove in today to drop essential rotting waste and they were closed. So unprofessional of a gov administration. Takes 2 minutes to upgrade your web site. Took me an hours wasted round trip. Shame on you . You basic office worker.” This review was left four years ago.

“Drove straight in to the dump with an airer, some wood and a lamp on a rare day off. I was stopped as my registration was wrong. I said but there’s no one else queuing. I had no idea the reg mattered now as there are no queues. No, I had to leave. The younger guy was sympathetic but the older guy loved the power and had a grin on his face. Oh well dumped outside my house now for god knows how long. I could have understood it if they were busy but I drove straight in.” This review was left four years ago.

St Austell

“This is the dump I use when I’m at my holiday home. It is truly lovely with AMAZING views over the rolling hills of Cornwall. Will definitely be bringing my camera to take some beautiful early morning snaps next time I’m here. ” This review was left two years ago.

“Great service and well organized the staff are always friendly and helpful…Shame the same can’t be said for everyone using the facility!! Very much appreciated staff intervention when some impatient service user had a go at me today.” This review was left two years ago.

“Always pleasant and efficient. The offer of help is always there with larger items too. Clear directions as to what needs to be put in the numbered skips.” This review was left a year ago.

“The guys working here are so polite and helpful some local businesses could learn something from these guys! Always a friendly chat as you go in and they help of you need it. Amazing views too.. nice office!” This review was left six years ago.

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