Swanage residents will soon have to book a slot before visiting the household recycling centre or tip, as it’s often known, due to a new scheme to be introduced by Dorset Council.
The new system is set to be brought in across all of the household recycling centres (HRCs), including Wareham, in the Dorset Council area from autumn 2025.
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A booking system is already in place for households to dispose of small quantities of rubble and plasterboard
Prevent trade waste from being illegally disposed
Dorset Council claims the free-to-use booking system will allow residents to pick a time of their choosing to drop off waste and recycling, meaning visits will be quicker with reduced waiting times, although there is rarely a queue at the tip in Swanage.
It also says the new system will save council taxpayers’ money by helping to prevent trade waste from being illegally disposed of at the household recycling centres and making it harder for traders to slip through unnoticed.
People will have to book a slot online to use any Dorset Council tip by providing information, including name, address, and vehicle registration.
They will then 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.
The new rules are clearly aimed at tackling problems at tips in other areas of the Dorset Council area but will affect Swanage too
Help with the new system
There will be a transitional period after the booking system is introduced, to allow any visitors who haven’t booked a slot when they arrive at the tip to speak with site staff and drop off their waste.
Dorset Council says this will prevent people getting caught out by the new rules and will allow staff to assist those who may need help using the new online system.
There may also be exemptions for those unable to easily book a slot. Slot bookings over the phone will be introduced later.
It’s often busy at the Swanage tip but rarely is it hard to find a space to park
“Long periods of queuing and crowding”
Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services said:
“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.
“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.
“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”
Swanage has one of the best household recycling centres in Dorset
Booking system already operating in other counties
Other councils, including Essex, Swindon, Suffolk, Kent and Gloucestershire, already operate a booking system.
Dorset Council says that fears around increased fly-tipping in other counties have proven to be unfounded, with the councils who are already using a booking system not witnessing any significant increases in illegally dumped waste.
This could go two ways, but it’s highly likely most will think it’s rubbish!
“Big change for some”
Councillor Jon Andrews added:
“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, and chargeable waste will remain unchanged.
Dorset Council says more information will be provided when the launch date is confirmed.
Further information