From Wednesday, January 14, residents will need to reserve a time slot online before visiting Oxfordshire’s seven household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) through Oxfordshire County Council’s website.
Bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance or as little as 30 minutes before arrival, subject to availability.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, said: “We know our residents are committed to reducing waste as they have helped Oxfordshire top the national recycling, reusing and composting table for 11 consecutive years.
“We believe they will see the benefits of this new system, which will help them avoid long queues by booking a time slot in advance, and help lead to better customer service from our HWRC employees.”
A similar booking system for the free disposal of small amounts of DIY waste was introduced in January 2024.
The new system incorporates this process, allowing users to indicate the type of waste they are bringing during booking.
The council said it has learned from other areas where booking schemes have been implemented, including Swindon, Gloucestershire, West Berkshire, Suffolk and Kent.
Feedback from these authorities indicated that such systems improve the overall service.
Cllr Roberts said: “The booking system will also help manage demand across the HWRC network while Redbridge HWRC is temporarily closed later in 2026 for around three months, to facilitate essential safety work to be carried out.”
Redbridge HWRC typically serves 40,000 customers during that period, many of whom are likely to use other Oxfordshire sites during the closure.
The booking system is expected to ease this increased demand and help reduce queuing.
Other benefits of the scheme include better traffic management, higher recycling rates—since staff will have more opportunity to guide residents on sorting waste—and improved communication with visitors about their bookings.
The council also believes the scheme will help prevent illegal dumping of trade waste at HWRCs, which could lead to cost savings for taxpayers.
While some residents may worry about a rise in fly-tipping, an independent study conducted in 2021 found no evidence linking booking systems at recycling centres to increased illegal dumping.
Although the booking process is online, residents without internet access can reserve a slot by calling the council’s customer service centre.
All residents can book a visit to dispose of household waste, but those living outside Oxfordshire will be charged £15.
Visitors must show proof of address on arrival to avoid the fee, such as a driving licence or recent utility bill.