PLANS to introduce an online booking system for tips in Dorset are likely to be pushed through – despite residents’ opposition.
Under the new system, which is expected to be rolled out in autumn, residents will have to book a 30-minute slot rather than just turning up as and when.
Criticisms have been raised of the plans as many residents complained the new system would alienate the elderly and increase incidents of people fly-tipping waste.
In a new statement, Dorset Council said they are “determined to move forward” with the changes, which will cost £120,000 to set up with an ongoing maintenance cost of £20,000 a year.
“We understand that any change to a valued public service will raise concerns,” said councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council cabinet member for place services.
“But this booking system is not about restricting access—it’s about protecting it.
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“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 council spokesperson said: “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.”
Under the new system, residents living in neighbouring counties would be unable to get rid of waste at Dorset Council tips – a move that the council said will see more than £100,000 saved from the Sherborne and Shaftesbury tips, as it will no longer have to pay for the disposal of waste from outside the county, which they said accounts for around 20% of what is dropped off at those sites.
They said that other saving options considered include reducing opening days, which would save up to £439,000 but would limit access, and permanently closing sites could save £150,000 – £200,000 per site but would reduce local service coverage.
The council currently pays £830,000 to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Hampshire councils so Dorset residents can use their recycling centres.
It said that ceasing these cross-border payments would likely only save around £200,000 due to a subsequent rise in disposal costs as people start using Dorset Council HRCs instead, and that residents in the east and southeast of the county would be hugely inconvenienced and/or could be forced to pay additional entry fees to BCP and Hampshire sites.
85% of councillors made it clear that the changes would not be welcome at a recent cross-party workshop, but Dorset Council said the 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 acknowledged 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.”
Really what a waste of money Shaftesbury tip works well enough longest ever waited is 15 mins when Lorrie’s are loading, fly tipping will get worse it’s already bad enough in the rural community because of stupid restrictions and charges, if the council had to reimburse land owners for fly tipping they would soon change their tune
Not welcomed
30 minute slots too long, 15 or 20 minute slots would be sufficient for all but a tiny minority and would enable more users. A facility for booking a double slot would facilitate complicated dumps
It’s an extremely idiotic idea , why try to fix something that’s not broken, ? To save money ? It won’t save the public that use it , a Penny , it will end up costing us more , after all we are talking about the Council here
In what way will a booking system save money? Additionally, why are residents’ objections, which are substantial, being ignored by our elected officials? This is a ridiculous waste of funds, a waste of time for Dorset employees, and a major, annoyance for tax-paying citizens. Dorset Council should concentrate on the real problems in our county.
The public have spoken and it is very clear they do not like it or think it is needed. They are an elected by us and if they don’t want to listen which is disrespectful then we shall have to vote them out.
I think this will cause alot more fly tipping also older people don’t use the Internet really bad idea.
Will councillors personally reimburse Council funds when the scheme fails? It’s a colossal waste of money. There are much cheaper options to deter interlopers. And of course, these systems always cost more than expected as will the running costs.
A simple sticker in one’s car window or random driving licence checks would be worth trying for a start before committing loads of money which would better spent on other things.
Not against it, but I thought a public vote/ consultation was called for. Dorset Council need to remember they work for us ultimately.
Proof of address is all that is required to stop cross county uses of the centres. The system we have has worked more than satisfactorily for many years. ” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!! ” as the saying goes. Only twice in 30 years have I had to wait for removal of full containers or decided the queue was too long. No hardship at all.
Please explain how having to book a 30min slot can save the council money without restricting opening times? As the some amount of waste is to be disposed off, requiring the same staffing levels to dispose off it! All your achieving is making more virtual paperwork.
Ridiculous idea , who do they think they are , hardly ever had to wait , it’s pathetic.
Absolutely ridiculous idea. It will have ongoing issues costing more than predicted. Not in the interests of the general public, let us keep it as it is or there will be more rubbish dumped anywhere