Household Recycling Centre booking system to protect services and avoid cuts

Dorset Council is determined to move forward with the introduction of a Household Recycling Centre (HRC, or “the tip”) booking system later this year, a decision made to safeguard essential services while delivering vital cost savings.

While the system has generated significant public and political debate, it remains the most effective way to maintain the current level of service without resorting to more disruptive and unpopular alternatives.

Faced with rising operational costs, the Council reviewed many cost-saving options, including reducing opening hours, closing sites on certain days, or even permanently shutting down some centres. These measures, while potentially saving more on paper, would have a far greater impact on residents’ access to highly valued recycling services.

Instead, the booking system - already proven successful in other areas - will help manage site usage more efficiently, reduce cross-border use, tackle illegal commercial waste abuse, and improve the overall user experience on site.

“We understand that any change to a valued public service will raise concerns,” said Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Place Services. “But this booking system is not about restricting access—it’s about protecting it. Other councils have already adopted similar systems with high levels of public satisfaction, and we believe this is the right step to ensure our recycling centres remain open, efficient, and accessible.”

A balanced, cost-saving approach

The system will cost around £120,000 to implement, with ongoing annual costs of just £20,000, with no change to current staffing levels. In return, it is expected to deliver significant savings.

For example, over £100,000 will be saved annually from just two HRCs (Sherborne and Shaftesbury) where Dorset Council will no longer have to pay for the disposal of waste from outside the county, which accounts for around 20% of what is dropped off at those sites. Further savings are anticipated across other border locations.

In contrast, other savings options would have a far greater impact on residents:

• Reducing opening days could save up to £439,000 but would limit access.
• Permanently closing sites could save £150,000 - £200,000 per site but would reduce local service coverage.
• Ceasing cross-border payments to BCP and Hampshire. While Dorset Council pays £830,000 to BCP and Hampshire, the saving would likely only be around £200,000 due to a subsequent rise in disposal costs as people start using Dorset Council HRCs instead. Residents in the east and south east of the county would be hugely inconvenienced and/or could be forced to pay additional entry fees to BCP and Hampshire sites. It would also create additional pressure at Dorset Council's existing HRCs - especially Wimborne, which is already at capacity.

Elected member engagement

At a recent cross-party member workshop, 85% of councillors expressed a strong preference to maintain the existing network of 10 HRCs. A majority supported improved access and consistency across sites, with 71% of members opposing service cuts such as reduced hours or site closures.

While the Council acknowledges the concerns raised by some residents, it points to the success of booking systems in other areas, where they have made significant savings and improved the overall user experience.

“We know this decision hasn’t been welcomed by everyone, and we’re listening to those concerns,” added Cllr Jon Andrews. “But we also have a responsibility to make the best use of public money. This booking system allows us to make necessary savings while keeping the same level of service that residents value. It’s a practical solution that protects what matters most.”