New booking system coming later this year at household recycling centres

A brand-new booking system is set to be brought in later this year at Dorset Council’s Household Recycling Centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’), which will require users to book a slot before they visit.

Already in use in other counties, the free-to-use booking system will allow residents to pick a time of their choosing to drop off waste and recycling – meaning their visits will be quicker with reduced waiting times.

“It works well in other places, and we are doing everything we can to help our residents keep Dorset as the top performing unitary council in the country for recycling” said Cllr. Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services.

People will be able to book a slot at any Dorset Council HRC online. After providing basic information (name, address, vehicle registration etc.) they’ll be offered a selection of bookable half-hour timeslots - up to two weeks in advance - in which to drop off their waste. Most bookings will be able to be made for the same day, and there won’t be any limit on the number of visits for most vehicles.

Slot bookings over the phone will be introduced later. 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.

Many other councils, including Essex, Swindon, Suffolk, Kent and Gloucestershire, have already introduced a booking system. After a period of adjustment as people changed their visiting behaviour, it was found that the systems led to a better experience for both site visitors and from support staff. For example, here in Dorset, Verwood residents have spoken favourably about the booking system that Hampshire County Council uses when booking visits to the Somerley recycling centre. Essex County Council recently reported a 95% satisfaction rate with their booking system.

“The current just-turn-up-and-drop-off system at our HRCs has served us well over the years but is now showing its limitations,” said Cllr. Andrews, “Many of our sites, especially at Dorchester and Wimborne, experience long periods of queuing and crowding that cause frustration for visitors, nearby residents, and local businesses. This system will improve the overall customer experience by preventing these problems.

“We understand people will need to get used to something new, and there will be a period of adjustment for many people who have become accustomed to the current process. But a few extra minutes at home booking a slot before loading up your vehicle with waste will potentially save you much longer delays when you arrive at the HRC, leading to a better experience for everyone.”

There will be a transitional period after the booking system is introduced, allowing any visitors who haven’t booked a slot when they arrive at a HRC to speak with site staff and drop off their waste. This will prevent people getting “caught out” by the new rules and allows staff to assist those who may need help using the new system. There may also be exemptions for those unable to easily book a slot.

Fears around increased fly-tipping in other counties have also proven to be unfounded, with the councils who are already using a booking system not witnessing any significant increases in illegally dumped waste. The new system will also save council taxpayers’ money by helping to prevent trade waste from being illegally disposed of at the HRCs.

Cllr. Andrews continued “We appreciate this will be a big change for some, especially those who drop off small amounts of waste on a frequent basis. But the evidence is clear from our colleagues in other authorities that a new booking system is worth implementing. It will result in better traffic management, reduced queues, and even better recycling rates as staff can help visitors separate their recyclables from their non-recyclable waste.”

Current arrangements, such as opening hours, types of waste accepted, vehicle permits, chargeable waste etc. will remain unchanged.

The new system is expected to be introduced in autumn 2025. More information will be provided when the launch date is confirmed. In the meantime, you can find out more via the Dorset Council website.