A BOOKING system is set to be introduced at several Dorset recycling centres later this month in a move the council says will reduce queues and make the service fairer for taxpayers.

From March 23, residents visiting recycling centres in Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Wimborne and Dorchester will need to book a slot in advance.

Dorset Council says the change aims to make visits smoother, reduce congestion at busy sites and prevent misuse by businesses and out-of-area visitors.

Currently, residents must pay to use recycling centres operated by neighbouring authorities, while their residents can access Dorset sites for free.

The council says this has created an imbalance.

Under the new system, Dorset residents will still be able to use the four sites free of charge, but people from outside the county will need to pay a fee per visit.

Bookings will open from March 16 and can be made up to two weeks in advance.

(Picture: Dorset Council)

Each site typically receives around 380 visits per day, but the new system will offer 430 daily booking slots.

Visitors will be given a 30-minute arrival window and will be able to make multiple bookings on the same day if needed. Same-day appointments will also be available.

Residents without internet access will still be able to book by phone.

The council says the changes will also help tackle trade waste abuse, with household recycling centres intended only for residents’ domestic waste.

Cabinet member for place services Jon Andrews said: “We’ve listened to residents and designed a system that’s simple and fair.

“It improves the experience for Dorset households, ensures taxpayers aren’t covering waste disposal costs for neighbouring areas, and helps prevent business use of household sites.

“By reducing congestion and improving recycling efficiency, the system also supports a cleaner, greener Dorset.”

The council said its other six recycling centres will remain open to Dorset residents without booking, except when disposing of DIY waste.

The authority added that booking systems used elsewhere have been shown to reduce congestion and help improve recycling rates.