New booking system coming later this year at household recycling centres

I have used the Portland site and very rarely queue. If there is a wait it is generally very short. For those sites with little or no issues still be on the booking system? Would the council also share the fly tipping data of other councils before and after introducing such a scheme?  

I have used the Portland site and very rarely queue. If there is a wait it is generally very short. For those sites with little or no issues still be on the booking system? Would the council also share the fly tipping data of other councils before and after introducing such a scheme?

I've never has to wait more than a couple of minutes at the Bridport HRC. I don't see how this is going to help me. If anything this will now just create a queue at the HRC as your details are checked.  Additionaly I help a number of older people who don't have smartphones or PCs at home. this doesn't make it easier for them.

 Bridport HRC works like a dream and I have never had to wait.  You are creating a problem which currently does not exist for us.  Unbelievable!

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.

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

I live half an hour away from a Dorset recycling centre, but I am resident in Dorset,  the idea that you can no longer pop in makes no sense, Bridport is never busy when I visit. How many residents will make an appointment, two weeks ahead and forget about or just not turn up even if they made an appointment on the day.  I don't have a smart phone, so you had better not start some stupid system that I have to prove that I have made an appointment and show it on my phone? 

Used Bridport tip for 5 years now. Never any issues. We always say what a great tip it is, friendly helpful staff, well run, tidy and never a queue. This is nonsense - unnecessary bureaucracy - ruin the customer service. 

Unnecessary bureaucracy at our recycling centres! To quote, “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...” So we have to wait on occasions? That's no big deal. “Many of our sites, especially at Dorchester and Wimborne, experience long periods of queuing and crowding..." The reason we have to wait in Dorchester is because the site is now totally inadequate for the healthy attitude towards recycling. Weymouth is vastly superior and I expect Bridport is too, judging by the West Dorset recyclers' comments. Are we going to be turned away if we don't have the correct paper work? That could lead to some people fly-tipping. "This system will improve the overall customer experience..." Do you really think we have a "customer experience" when we visit these places? That phrase is so over used; it's totally meaningless (if it ever really did mean something in the first place). Please rethink this policy and consider relocating the Dorchester centre as soon as you can to somewhere with easy access close to the Dorchester by-pass.

to leave a comments, I had to ask for 6 verify codes! that not easy!  I have nerver had to wait for more than a minute at Wareham, I also don't see any advange of a booking system.looking at reports of booking systems there is increasing concern that in some cases booking  systems are discouraging HWRC uses with a risk of both increased residual waste and fly-tipping as a result . this is in Gov report. Traffic is not problem. Wareham site is very clean and tidy they will assisted if you ask. why re-invent a system that working ok at this time?. 

I have used the SWANAGE tip ever since it opened. I have never had to queue. What a daft idea.

I have used the Bridport recycling depo for years and I have never ever had to queue; and I use it a lot. Whoever has made this decision should go there before making things more complicated as well as possibly adding to the fly tipping problem. Please go there and see for yourself. If there was a problem I would be all for a queuing system but there isn't!

I agree with the comments that have already been made, our local site (Bridport) works really well, we've very rarely had to queue and the new system seems totally unnecessary.  When it was in South Street it was a nightmare because of the problems clearing out the skips, but the site works brilliantly now.  If there queuing problems there I could understand the need for booking, but there are not.

As a frequent user of Swanage recycling centre there is never a queue. In the summer months when there is a significant increase in visitor numbers having the ability to pop in when times are quiet is especially needed. It seems that Dorset Council are slavishly following other councils offerings without profiling their centres and user needs. I would also suggest we should be encouraging tourists to use our recycling so general household waste and beach waste isn't dumped in inappropriate bins eg broken windbreaks etc in seafront bins.

If there is a problem at Dorchester and Wareham, introduce a booking system there. Sherborne is an easy site to use and queues are rare. A booking system would be a completely unnecessary regulation. We lived previously in an area with a booking system and it was very frustrating for users.

I am so disappointed with this decision. I use Sherborne and the current system works really well and has done for many years. You are complicating a system and making it more inefficient unless there are other reasons behind these changes that you are not telling us. Please think again and use some common sense.

As a registered, but occasional user of Bridport HRC, who has chosen to visit at times that I predict to be relatively quiet (partly because of the transit distance), I have never experienced any delays.  Bridport HRC is a pleasure to visit, with a well planned efficient layout and extremely helpful staff.  While I do not wish to be too negative about an impending change until I have experienced its outcome, it does seem to be trying to fix something that from my limited experience is not broken.  More process, which presumably has a financial cost to us the council tax payers.  Finally, a 30 minute window, is fairly restrictive when negotiating the minor roads and the frequent traffic congestion in Bridport for a user like me that lives on the extremity of the Bridport HRC catchment area.  Disappointing news.

What an utterly ludicrous idea.  This morning I have two small sacks of garden rubbish to take to the dump.  The idea that I have to go online to book a slot is utterly ridiculous.  There is never any queue at Shaftesbury recycling and this is deliberately complicating what should be a simple transaction.  Wasting scarce council money on this ludicrous idea is beyond stupid.  What are the Council hoping to achieve because we may be sure there is some sinister objective behind all this.  Please send your objections in

I use the Shaftesbury recycling centre and rarely have to wait to get in. When i have recycling to take there, it is always a "Spur of the moment decision", if i think i have time to go there then i just go. I don't want to have to book a slot days in advance, because for me it will never happen. If there is a wait when the skips are being compacted or changed, it is only for 5 or 10 minutes. A queue that builds up over this time will disappear very quickly after reopening.  I would like to know the fly tipping statistics of other sites before and after implimentaion in other areas where you have operated this scheme.

I am pleased to hear that the booking system has not increased flytipping, as this was my initial concern. I could imagine some people not booking or missing there slot with a full car that could increase the likelihood of flytipping around the area. Let's hope other council figures have not been massaging figures to prove that it has not increased flytipping or that they have not found the locations people have used, as this sort of behaviour is awful. Please as others have requested, can you link the data provided that you have used to justify the statement that this action has not increased flytipping in other areas? How will the new booking system save money based on industrial dumping, surely a business owner can book a slot, as any member of the public will be encouraged too. If they arrive in a non-industrial vehicle how will this change. Also how much is this system costing to implement, before any saving of money can be counted, any initial outlay must be taken into account? I look forward to the official response. Thank you for your time.

Never had a problem queueing at my local HRC. So last minute trips are now out the question. Like with any council there will be an ulterior motive, the data from those that use it. Next you will be limited to 4 times a year? Limiting the number of uses or preventing non Dorset residents using the facility. Also what about the costs in running this. Is it value for money? We know Dorset Council cannot add up or manage budgets from recent press releases. I see the council address another comment by referring to the company that manages the system, bit like turkeys voting for Christmas.

Everyone seems to be concentrating on that they have done this for traffic reasons. It seems obvious to me, when the only times I have to queue are when they are moving the containers, is that they want to track who is doing what. If there is trouble at 2 sites as suggested, then those sites are not fit for purpose and need upgrading. There is no need to inconveinience everyone nor track everyone becuase the proper investment of our tax money has and is not being made. There is no need for people's details when they book a slot. I don't have to give that nnow.another erosion of people's privacy being perpetrated by Dorset council for no reason nor consultation with the people paying for all this.

Absolutely ridiculous and a waste of money!! As like so many others I have never had to wait more than a few minutes at Wareham or Blandford, This is an extra layer of unnecessary bureaucracy!! Who thought this was a good idea?????? Being able to just pop in with stuff for the tip makes life a lot easier, having to book when it is so unnecessary at most sites is just unbelievable. Who came up with this crazy plan? My family live in Kent, and they absolutely hate the new system!!

This is not necessary, particularly at the Bridport recycling centre, which is very well run and does not suffer backlogs of traffic. I believe that, if you properly check the data from other regions that have introduced systems like this, you will find that there have been increases in fly-tipping. That is surely what will occur in Dorset. Leave the current system as it is; it is not broken and does not need fixing.

Not needed here in Bridport where the current just turn up system works perfectly well.

I use Swanage tip and there is never a queue. Why change something that is now going to complicate thing's. Also how will elderly people without smart phones or computers be able to do this.Just crazy 

Implementing this system is not a practical idea. It seems like another instance of unnecessary bureaucracy. I frequently use the local HRC in Bridport and have never had to wait more than a couple of minutes to find a parking spot. This new system will eliminate the convenience of making spontaneous trips to the facility for waste disposal. Instead, it will require checking availability beforehand, which is inconvenient. Despite what other councils may claim, this change will likely lead to an increase in illegal dumping. Additionally, consideration must be given to those who are not proficient with computers. There are still many individuals who do not know how to navigate the internet or use a keyboard effectively. How are they expected to book a slot under this new system? As the saying goes, "if it isn't broken, don't fix it."

This is completely unnecessary in Swanage. The system works really well as it is. Fabulous, helpful staff, no queues ever, and total flexibility. This will be an extremely unpopular decision if it's imposed here.

I use the Bricport recycling frequently and have never had to wait. The staff are excellent, I think a computer booking system is totally unnecessary and will cause more problems than it saves. There are no problems. If its not broke dont fix it !!!

the extra money you are spending to implement this new process; 1: will be discriminating against and excluding those of our neighbours who do not have a smartphone or internet access or who are unable to use these systems for any number of reasons, financial, physical, age and/or disability...... 2: will be better spent up-grading those centres that currently cannot provide an adequate service for the people in their area. Here on Portland, we have an excellent centre with a fabulous crew who take great care in delivering a perfectly adequate personal service without the need for fancy IT support. Please be brave and stick with what is best for Dorset rather than looking around to copy others who may have a completely different need. Stand up for what is sensible and right rather than following the latest (unnecessary fad) We are paying you to look after us not spend all the money without consultation, other counties figures are irrelevant in this instance.

A ridiculous idea, i work full time and only have weekends to go to the tip, on Saturday i have to take my 91year old mother shopping and help with other jobs, so that just leaves Sunday to catch up with gardening and cleaning jobs that require a visit to the tip and that depends on the weather,  How am i meant to plan in advance for this ?? i have never had to wait more than about 5 mins and the tip and normally dont wait at all.  I assume this is just a way to track who is using the tip as i see no other reason for it.

p.s.  this is of course a pre cursour to being charged to use the facilities!?

I am sure I am not the only "customer" of your Bridport HRC who actually enjoys their visits to the tip! That is because there are rarely any congestion problems, the site is well laid out, and the staff always most helpful. To read now that I will need to book a slot is a total waste of resources. Please reconsider!

Created a solution to a problem that doesnt really exist & a waste of my council tax. Maybe they should have spent the time, money & effort for this project on fixing pot holes, now that's a problem that exists. 

What a stupid idea, we do not need this in Swanage, there is very rarely a queue, the staff a very helpful, I can get in dump the stuff and can be out again in 5 mins max, cant see how this system is going to be helpful at all. Reading all the other comments it appears its the same across the county apart from a couple of sites. I hope someone puts some more thought into this before forcing it on the paying residents, who dont want it. You are supposed to work for us not against us. Give the residents a vote on the subject. Hopefully common sense will prevail.

I have never had to queue at Wareham HRC. It works perfectly well with a great team. I used to live in Essex where you refer that this scheme works well. You cannot compare the the population base in terms or density and demographic using the sites. I fear that some of our residents that struggle with technology will suffer and the staff at the HRC will bear the brunt of residents frustration with this proposed system. Please don't change a process that works perfectly well for most localities across Dorset.

This is unnecessary. In 45 years of using the Wareham site I have never had to queue. At a time when the council continually complains about poor funding they decide to make a silly, pointless change. Why create a problem when it doesn't exist in Wareham. Nor does it appear to be a problem in other recycling sites. If it's a problem in Wimborne or at other places then make a bespoke system to resolve the problem there. There is no need to change all sites.  I don't care if a booking system exists in other authorities. Those authorities will design a solution to suit them, but please Dorset Council don't just change because others do. It is simply not necessary in Wareham. Please don't try and create an urban /large town/London model for us in Wareham. And as for a"customer experience," please... I suspect people want to use the facility as I do, as quickly and as effectively as possible. I don't want an "experience!" It is a wonderful facility for Wareham and its surroundings, run by excellent staff who do an excellent job. Don't spoil it.

What a load of RUBBISH. I regularly use the Portland tip and very good it is. Well run friendly staff and very rarely any delays.  I usually go after a day of Gardening, I put the rubbish in the car and drive to Portland I would want a slot in the next twenty minutes so how would that work? If Dorset Council have problems at some tips them sort those tips and leave the ones the are running fine as they are. As some other comments "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

What a ridiculous idea, we are used to waiting our turn at the Dorchester waste recycling centre. What if it's pouring down with rain for your booked session. The other time is when the gates are closed, (which happens quite a lot) in your allocated time. it doesn't make any sense at all. We go to the tip ad hoc which can be at a moments notice.

Can I just be clear that you require car registration numbers, names and addresses?  What sort of processing of this personal data will be performed? Not just now, but in the future? What sort of terms and conditions will the booking provider require? What if I don't agree?    In addition, the linked article reports a drop in visits. That does imply that it has added and extra level of burden on the public which is unacceptable to some, with may imply curbside collections have gone up by the same amount.  I normally don't have an issue at the HRC, and if I do its normally due to people who will only park directly in front of the recycling container, waiting for a space and blocking traffic. I guess this be fixed as well with a booking system. 

I use the Shaftesbury site and usually able to get in and out without any delay other than occasionally whilst they compact the skips. This is completely unnecessary beaurocracy and, having to wait whilst someone takes your details, will cause delays in themselves. People asking Dorset CC to reconsider are wasting their time, it isn't going to happen. They seem to feel they have to be seen to be doing something rather than doing something useful like removing weeds and debris from our roads and filling in potholes, they waste their time and our money introducing unneccesary procedures. Sad thing is, we pay their wages and they will be wanting to increase our Council Tax by more than inflation very shortly  

Oh dearie me. I'm absolutely in favour of recycling but this change is completely unnecessary, at least for the Weymouth site. I reckon I've used that site every couple of months over the last decade and have never had to queue or wait at any time of the day or year. Why make life even more complicated for both us users and the staff than it already is? Please seriously reconsider and leave a sytem that works as it is. 

I agree with all the other comments made on this proposal. I very very rarely, if ever, have had to wait at Swanage HRC. Totally ridiculous proposal - waste of council money and our time. Michael H

You quote 'be given assistance with using the new system on site' so what does that mean, you still want our details when we visit if we haven't booked in! So there is a reason behind this? Only Dorset residents can use it, not holidaymakers or anyone passing through the county? What  if NOBODY books in and just ignores your new system. How much is this going to cost us the local taxpayer, because it is totally unnecessary, we should all vote with our feet and totally ignore it and tell our local Dorset Councillor what we think of it.  Did our local councillor actually vote for this unnecessary level of bureaucracy.  I shall be asking him. 

I agree with those who say the Council will be wasting our time and tax money by using a system to deal with a non existent problem. I hope you will take these adverse comments seriously and scrap your ludicrous scheme.

This does not sound like a good idea. 1. What do people who don't use the internet or have easy access to a mobile or computer do? 2. What do people who are in poverty who can only afford basics and don't have internet do? 3. What happens when someone books a slot and then can't make it or need to make multiple trips? 4. Will there be limits on numbers of bookings? If not could someone book a slot all day for days? 5. What if someone wants to book a slot and has a friend helping and doesn't know all the details? 6. What if someone can't read? Apparently a lot of people can't read. 7. Will people be monitored and in the end limitations made. "I'm sorry you've dumped 5 bags this week. You can't bring any more? Lots of questions and delimmas but in the end it's restricting access. It's making it no longer accessible for when people need to use sites. It's making things a lot more stressful for residents. But I bet it also will cost residents. How much will this cost us? Is this best use of tax payers money and officer time? What an odd scheme to bring in. Instead of maybe reducing queues by suggesting the more quiet times people might want to visit in certain areas. 

Never had a problem at Bridport RC.Why change?

The Dorset Council’s announcement of a new booking system for Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), set to be implemented later in 2025, aims to address operational challenges at recycling sites but has sparked concerns among residents. Below is an analysis of the implementation, reasons for resident opposition, pros and cons, and a speculative estimate of implementation costs, based on the information from the provided Dorset Council webpage and related sources. Why the Booking System is Being Implemented The Dorset Council’s webpage outlines the primary motivations for introducing the booking system at its 10 HRCs: Reducing Queues and Congestion: The current walk-in system has led to long queues, particularly at popular sites like Dorchester and Wimborne. The booking system allows residents to reserve half-hour time slots, which is intended to smooth demand throughout the day and reduce waiting times. Improving Safety and Efficiency: By controlling the number of visitors at any given time, the system aims to enhance site safety and make the waste disposal process quicker and more pleasant. Councillor Jon Andrews emphasized that the new system will support Dorset’s goal of maintaining its status as a top-performing unitary council for recycling. Learning from Other Councils: The council notes that booking systems have been successfully implemented in other regions, such as Cornwall and Essex, where they have reduced congestion and improved recycling rates. Dorset Council likely sees this as a proven strategy to replicate. Responding to Past Issues: Historical data from Dorset Council indicates high demand and strain on HRCs, especially during peak times like Easter or post-lockdown periods, leading to delays and safety concerns. A booking system was previously suggested by residents (e.g., in Kent) to manage such issues. Why Residents May Not Want It While the webpage does not explicitly state resident opposition, related sources and general sentiment about booking systems elsewhere (e.g., Shropshire) suggest potential reasons for resistance: Perceived Inconvenience: Residents may find booking a slot restrictive compared to the flexibility of walk-in access. The need to plan visits up to two weeks in advance could deter spontaneous trips, especially for those with irregular schedules. Digital Access Barriers: The system primarily relies on online bookings, with phone bookings to be introduced later. Residents without internet access or digital literacy, such as older individuals, may struggle to navigate the system, despite assurances of assistance. Skepticism About Benefits: Experiences like Shropshire’s, where a booking system was scrapped after criticism, may fuel doubts about its effectiveness. Residents might question whether the system will genuinely reduce queues or simply shift inconvenience to the booking process. Cultural Resistance to Change: Long-standing habits of using HRCs without appointments could lead to resistance, as residents may view the change as unnecessary bureaucracy, especially if they haven’t experienced significant issues at their local site. Pros and Cons of the Booking System Pros Reduced Queuing Times: By spreading visits across time slots, the system can minimize congestion, as seen in trials in Cornwall and Essex. Enhanced Safety: Fewer vehicles and people on-site at once reduce risks of accidents and improve staff working conditions. Improved Recycling Rates: Better organization allows for clearer segregation of materials, supporting Dorset’s recycling goals. Cost Savings Long-Term: Efficient operations could lower staff overtime and waste processing costs, as seen in Shropshire’s initial justification for a booking system. Accessibility for Planning: Residents can secure slots up to two weeks in advance, with same-day bookings available, offering flexibility for those who plan ahead. No Visit Limits: Unlike some systems, Dorset’s proposal allows unlimited visits for most vehicles, reducing concerns about restricted access. Cons Inconvenience for Spontaneous Visits: Residents needing to dispose of waste urgently may find the booking requirement cumbersome. Digital Exclusion: Those without online access may face barriers until phone booking is fully implemented, potentially limiting equitable access. Potential for No-Shows: Booked slots may go unused, reducing site efficiency if residents forget or cancel without notice. Implementation Challenges: Technical issues, as seen in Fife’s booking system downtime, could disrupt access and frustrate users. Resident Backlash: As in Shropshire, dissatisfaction could lead to pressure to revert to the old system, wasting resources. Upfront Costs: Initial setup and public education efforts will require investment, which may concern taxpayers if savings are not immediate. Speculative Cost of Implementation The Dorset Council webpage does not provide specific cost details for the booking system. However, based on analogous systems and general trends, we can speculate on potential costs: Technology Development: Online Booking Platform: Developing or licensing a booking website or app, similar to those used in Essex or Merseyside, could cost £50,000–£150,000, depending on whether Dorset builds a custom system or adapts an existing one. Maintenance and hosting fees might add £10,000–£20,000 annually. Phone Booking System: Setting up a call center or integrating phone bookings could cost £20,000–£50,000 initially, with ongoing staffing costs. Staff Training and Management: Training staff at 10 HRCs to manage bookings and enforce slot compliance might require £10,000–£30,000, assuming workshops and updated protocols. Additional staff time for checking bookings on-site could increase operational costs by £50,000–£100,000 annually, depending on volume. Public Awareness Campaign: Educating residents through leaflets, website updates, and local media could cost £20,000–£50,000, based on Dorset’s past communication efforts during HRC changes. Infrastructure Adjustments: Minor site modifications (e.g., signage, barriers to manage booked arrivals) might cost £5,000–£15,000 per site, totaling £50,000–£150,000 across 10 HRCs. Total Estimated Initial Cost: £165,000–£450,000, with annual maintenance costs of £70,000–£170,000. These figures are speculative, drawing from costs of similar systems (e.g., Shropshire’s booking system aimed to save money but required upfront investment). Actual costs could vary based on whether Dorset uses existing software, contracts external providers, or absorbs costs within current budgets. Critical Analysis The Dorset Council’s decision appears driven by a desire to modernize HRC operations and align with national trends toward efficient waste management. However, the lack of explicit resident consultation in the announcement raises questions about community buy-in. Shropshire’s experience, where a booking system was abandoned due to public outcry, highlights the risk of implementing changes without robust engagement. The council’s promise of assistance for those unable to book online is positive but vague, and delays in rolling out phone bookings could exacerbate access issues. The emphasis on Dorset’s recycling leadership suggests a top-down approach, potentially prioritizing council metrics over user convenience. While the system may reduce queues, it could inadvertently discourage recycling if residents find it too cumbersome, countering the council’s goals. The absence of cost transparency in the announcement may also fuel skepticism, especially given Dorset’s past concerns about waste management expenses (e.g., £500,000 annually for DIY waste rules). Conclusion The booking system for Dorset’s HRCs is being implemented to address congestion, enhance safety, and improve recycling efficiency, drawing on successful models elsewhere. However, residents may oppose it due to inconvenience, digital barriers, and skepticism about its benefits, as seen in similar cases like Shropshire. The pros include reduced queues and long-term savings, but cons involve potential exclusion and upfront costs. Estimated implementation costs range from £165,000 to £450,000, with ongoing expenses of £70,000–£170,000 annually. To mitigate opposition, Dorset Council should prioritize transparent communication, robust support for non-digital users, and a trial period to assess resident feedback before full rollout.

Not necessary. Covered in emails to Councillors Andrews and Suttle qv. Dave Irving

If a small number of HRC's have queuing issues and the rest do not, it would be better use of budgets to expand those sites and not break existing efficient services. Logical dictates that fly tipping will increase if all sites have a booking system and the disruption will decrease efficiency of the operation of current HRC's. I would want see the business case to judge the merits and validity of all councils claims.

Having used the Sherborne HRC frequently for many years and not experienced many delays, I believe the introduction of a booking system is wholly unnecessary and maybe the thin edge of a wedge leading to charges for all.  Despite assurances to the contrary, I also believe the booking system will increase flytipping by those who are unwilling or unable to use it.  Perhaps DC should trial the booking system at Wimborne or Dorchester first for five years and then publish findings.  When are the next local elections...........

What another crazy and expensive idea by the Council. Spend the money where it is needed by re-siting the Dorchester site. It is its present position that causes the problem. Swanage, Weymouth and Bridport very rarely have waiting problems. It is in and out. No doubt there will be a wait issue when we arrive at the site to be checked in. What about missed "appointments". The long term outcome will be a fine for missing the slot. The Council will want to make money wherever it can! Cancel the project now, respite some centres, and make life less complicated for everyone. And I do not like the idea of the Council having the opportunity to "track" site users and record details. Too much like "Big Brother". 

I agree with previous comments. " No significant increase in fly tipping" means there has been an increase. Get that problem sorted before trying to change a system that is working perfectly well

I do not feel this necessary expenditure as I have not had any problem with delays at our local Bridport site and I use it quite often. I can think of several other better ways to use the projected cost given the pressures on other services. I do not agree that fly tipping will not increase, I think this will encourage it even more. I also see no evidence of trade tippers when I use the Bridport site. It may be an issue elsewhere but I would rather they use the facilities rather than dump it in laybys which also costs to remove. 

I have used Sherborne HRC site for over 20 years. Aside from the infrequent 5 min queue, I have never had a problem. Why create one now by asking people to book slots and limit the amount of customers?

A great idea, this will help relieve the congestion at many of the tips, for what is very little effort.

Not needed at Bridport- no problems just turning up with recycling. Moved from a city that introduced this system- caused queues as everyone turned up at start of slot! 

Absolutely dreadful and unnecessary idea.  I have used the Swanage HRC for 18 years including the previous site and have never ever had to queue.  This will be so inconvenient.  Why penalise everyone when there are obviously only a couple of sites that have problems?  

Dorchester Recycling Centre is one of the worst laid out and designed recycling centres in the country with an access road prone to flooding. In a rational world you'd find a better site but sadly the planning process would be a nightmare.

I really believe that introducing this system will actually add to increased fly tipping. Currently one can attend the Wimborne site late afternoon and dispose of one's waste. If you need to book a slot late in the day and can't it is not difficult to see that people will give up and just"lose" their waste. What are the current levels of fly tipping in the wimborne area.

Well done Dorset Council (not). Wimborne, Brooke Road is my 'tip'. Locals choose their time and day. Of course weekends are busy but, prepared for that, we sit patiently in a queue and wait our turn. Yes, the exchange of loaded for empty containers is time consuming as the tip has to be shut for safety reasons, but we cope.  What 'jobsworth' thought that Joe Public can calculate when he is going to have enough various recycling and pre book a slot. Come on Dorset Council. Everything works well now. 'If it ain't broke don't try and fix it'. 

Although this has been positive for other counties it does not feel appropriate for the majority of Dorset. If there are issues with Dorchester and Wimborne it may be advisable to upgrade these facilities or implement this new system at these centres.  At the Wareham site I have never seen queues and on occasion may have waited a couple of minutes. Generally it's straight in, dump stuff and straight out. The thought of admin in order to pop up to the tip is complete nonsense.   I believe most people will be annoyed to think their council tax is being spent on this. Please can you provide us with a full costing, plus a cost benefit analysis would be useful. Many thanks

Ok, so let me get this straight, instead of queuing (or not) without a booking, your plan is for us to now have to queue with one, and what if we miss our time slot for whatever reason, will we be timed out and have to rebook?  I know, we can invent a problem and then be seen to solve it because there wasn't one in the first place, genius! So what environmental tick box does that check then?

Very frustrating for places where there is absolutely no need ie Bridport where I often pop up and never queue but essential for sites like Dorchester - so please limit it to the sites where there is a problem because this is going to cause queues where there arent queues now unless car registration recognition is used to verify the booking - the excellent staff who work there will be required to monitor the arrivals rather than do the excellent job they currently do helping customers with their enquiries etc. I appreciate this is needed at certain tips but not here in Bridport and sounds like a few other places too. If it isnt broken dont fix it - please

I don't understand why users of all sites have to have a much more complicated experience because two of the sites have issues which relate to their location/siting rather than usage levels. This makes the service to all users worse, not better or easier. I thought that the council wants to make our lives easier not more complicated ... The justifications for this new policy seem so weak that it feels as if there is another unspoken agenda. Just one example - how many people plan their trip to the tip  two weeks in advance and to the half hour?  Is this about reducing staff numbers at the tips? Or pushing more people to pay for green waste bins? Finally what consultation with users has happened before the new policy was imposed?

As a frequent user of the Bridport site I can state that is really well run the staff are always helpful and I have only had to queue once in 7 years this was during Covid and even during this time the staff managed the site and traffic brilliantly.  I thought that the people of Bridport were being encouraged to recycle as much as possible and feel this new system will impact that especially with older residents who often have no access to the internet or are just scared of using it!  My opinion is that this system is not needed at our site based on a traffic or waiting time option as it is run efficiently as it is. The site is sometimes busy (which is great) but is always running smoothly.

Bringing this in in Bridport, where there are rarely ever queues, is completely unnecessary and will actually cause more work (signing everyone in and checking them!) for the recycling centre workers. It will also mean that queues WILL now occur as vehicles queue up to be signed in. This completely un-needed and foolish decision on behalf of the council goes against the wishes of the residents who pay for the council, and will cause them unnecessary delays and inconvenience. Please reverse this decision!

I used to live near Dorchester and can see the value of some sort of booking system for the tip there, given the poor access and frequent long waits.  However, having moved closer to Bridport I really don't understand how you're enforcing this system for all sites - it is absolutely not needed at Bridport, I have never had to queue, even at peak time weekends (It's the only time I can get there).  It's a brilliant site with friendly staff. Why introduce a level of bureaucracy and frustration that's just not necessary and will cause rather than resolve problems?  Especially when it's garden waste which, given the weather, can often not be planned and booked in advance.  Please rethink!

We are strongly opposed to a booking system for Swanage which will inevitably impact those of us who work full time, what do we do if weekend slots are fully booked? (which we predict will be the case).  It seems counter-productive to have a dedicated town recycling centre and then put a system in place for the sole purpose of reducing the amount of recycling going through said facility.  The information provided regarding fly-tipping may show no increase, but it doesn't show a decrease either.  If the system is being introduced to reduce the amount of recycling going through the centre (as per your own information link below) then why is it being disguised as "...visits will be quicker with reduced waiting times".  There is sometimes a small queue but this is rare and the system would appear to be working very well as it is.  Having spoken with operatives at the centre it appears they are most certainly not in favour of the booking system either.  If a specific town is having problems or requesting a booking system that is fine, but to impliment it across the region is unwarrented and unneccessary.  I cannot find a single comment here which supports this policy.

I've read all 73 comments before making my own and agreeing with most people that a booking system for Bridport HRC is not required. The current system works well and no changes are necessary for Bridport. Please reconsider and deal with issues at other HRC first.

 Have never experienced a queue at the Swanage site.   Why change something that is working well.  Please keep it as a drop in. Agree with other commens that it could increase fly tipping.  I heard about these changes  by chance by word of mouth and on social media.     Is this a consultation?    

Three points:  (1) there's nothing on this in the Dorset Council Waste Strategy 2024 - though there is a commitment to being "data led"  (2) evidence for the introduction of the scheme references some queuing at Dorchester and Wimborne HRCs and some residents admiration for what's done in Hampshire but comments show satisfaction with the current arrangements in Portland, Bridport, Shaftesbury, Sherborne Swanage, and elsewhere- and this comment should be taken as affirmation that the Swanage and Wareham HRCs work extremely well - never any queuing in my experience.  (3) based on the above there is no justification whatsoever for a "one size fits all" solution to problems which don't exist outside a minority of locations This looks like imposing an expensive and cumbersome administrative burden on everyone, and overtly excludes visitors /campers who will be more persuaded that flipping is the only viable alternative. Has this negative consequence been adequately discussed  and considered ?  

i don't have a car and have been asking friends to take electricals etc to the tip for me. This new system will make it almost impossible for me to do this. How is the council now going to support me to recycle responsibly?

Will I still be able to take my garden waste to Portland (which is not my closest Tip)? I find the stairs at Weymouth's Tip difficult. Indeed, I find the stairs up to containers at Portland and Weymouth tips all very difficult, needing - as I do - to hang on to the handrail, while lugging awkward loads. Surely everyone (not just old wobblies like me) would be quicker at all the Tips if they were throwing waste over into a hopper below their level, not lugging it up stairs.