Fairer for Dorset Council taxpayers: Why we are introducing a booking system at recycling centres

Later this year, Dorset Council will introduce a booking system at its household recycling centres (HRCs, or “the tip”). This change is designed to protect services, reduce costs, improve the overall experience, and make funding fairer for residents.

Balancing savings with service

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, explained: “We know some residents are concerned about this change, but we’ve looked at lots of alternative options to identify savings. We know that closing sites, cutting opening hours, or limiting access could save money, but would have a huge negative impact on our residents. A booking system allows us to maintain the same valued level of service with lower running costs.”

Dorset Council, like many other councils, is facing serious financial pressures. The new booking system will deliver significant annual savings, including £100,000 at Shaftesbury and Sherborne alone - sites that see high use from residents outside Dorset. Other HRCs at Wimborne, Wareham, and Bridport will also contribute to further savings. There are potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds to be saved with future efficiencies, with other councils reporting annual savings of up to £650,000 a year.

Fairer for Dorset Council taxpayers

Currently, Dorset Council pays £435,000 to BCP Council so Dorset residents can use their recycling centres. However, BCP residents have been using Dorset’s sites for free. Under the new system, non-Dorset residents will still be able to book visits, but they’ll now pay a fee to help cover the cost of their waste disposal, and site maintenance. Dorset Council residents will continue to be able to visit our HRCs with no additional charge, and there are no plans to introduce access fees in the future.

The system will also help prevent misuse by commercial operators posing as household users, further reducing disposal costs and ensuring fair use of public services.

Environmental and operational benefits

Introducing a booking system isn’t just about saving money or reducing queues. It also supports Dorset Council’s environmental goals. “Other councils have seen a shift in behaviour,” said Cllr Andrews. “People tend to make fewer trips, bringing more waste each time. That means fewer car journeys, less congestion, and lower emissions.”

With better control over site access, staff can spend more time assisting visitors and managing waste, which leads to higher recycling rates and less waste incinerated or sent to landfill.

Proven and practical

Nearly half of England’s councils have already introduced booking systems at their recycling centres. Dorset Council’s system is based on successful models used elsewhere, with lessons learned from councils that have refined their approach over time.

Concerns about fly-tipping are understandable, but the evidence doesn’t support a link between booking systems and increased illegal dumping. A DEFRA study of 54 councils found no significant rise in fly-tipping after similar systems were introduced. Cllr Andrews noted, “Law-abiding and considerate people will not turn into fly-tipping criminals simply because they need to spend a couple of minutes booking a slot at an HRC. And we won’t be turning any legitimate users away while the new system beds in.”

Smarter services, not cuts

Booking a slot will be done easily in a couple of minutes online, and for those who do not use the internet, a telephone booking option will also be introduced in due course.

Those people unable to book online from day one can still take their waste to an HRC where they will be given assistance with using the new system on site. Most bookings can be made for the same day, and there is no limit on the number of visits for most vehicles. Visitors can arrive at any point during their allocated half-hour slot, and anyone arriving late can simply speak to site staff before unloading their waste.

“This is about working smarter,” said Cllr Andrews. “We’re protecting essential services through innovation, not cuts. The booking system helps us manage demand, reduce misuse, save money, and improve the experience for everyone.”

The system will go live later this year. For more information and updates, visit our HRC Booking System webpage.