PEOPLE wishing to visit a Household Recycling Centre (HRC) in Dorset will soon be asked to book a slot online prior to visiting.
Dorset Council is set to launch a new system through its website in the autumn, which will require visitors to book a 30-minute slot.
The council said the new app is needed to reduce incidents of fly-tipping and slots will be able to be booked up to two weeks before a visit.
“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 councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services.
Visitors will be asked to submit personal information, including their name, address and vehicle registration.
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Most bookings will be able to be made for the same day – and there will not be a limit on the number of visits.
Booking via the phone will be introduced “later”, the council said.
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.
A similar scheme has already been rolled out in Essex, Swindon, Suffolk, Kent and Gloucestershire.
The council added that following a period of adjustment at these sites, it was found that the systems led to a better experience for both site visitors and 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,” a spokesperson said.
“Essex County Council recently reported a 95% satisfaction rate with their booking system.”
A transitional period will be introduced while the new scheme is rolled out which will allow 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 allow 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.
Cllr Andrews said the booking system is needed to reduce “long periods” of queuing at sites such as Dorchester and Wimborne.
“This system will improve the overall customer experience by preventing these problems,” he said.
“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.”
Current arrangements, such as opening hours, types of waste accepted, vehicle permits and chargeable waste will remain unchanged.
“Why fix a system that is not broken?”
However, it has been suggested by some that the new system would actually encourage more incidents of fly-tipping.
One commenter said: “What a nightmare; who thought this was a good idea for Dorset?
“We regularly use Sherborne waste site, and very rarely are there more than one car in front of us. What a complete waste of our time and council resources. Please scrap this nonsense immediately.”
Another said: “Considering how we used to queue along South Street, causing traffic chaos, the new HRC in Bridport is excellent and I have never had to wait.
“Why fix a system that is not broken? By all means bring it in for Dorchester and Wimborne where they will appreciate it, but it will only serve to inconvenience us here in Bridport.”
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