This is expected to be in place later in the year.

This change is aimed at saving costs, improving services and making funding fairer for residents.

Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said: “We know some residents are concerned about this change, but we’ve looked at lots of alternative options to identify savings.

“We know that closing sites, cutting opening hours, or limiting access could save money, but would have a huge negative impact on our residents.

“A booking system allows us to maintain the same valued level of service with lower running costs.”

The booking system will result in significant annual savings, with more than £100,000 saved at Shaftesbury and Sherborne alone.

More savings are expected from other frequently used centres including Wimborne, Wareham and Bridport.

This move could potentially save hundreds of thousands of pounds, with other councils reporting savings of up to £650,000 a year.

Currently, Dorset Council pays £435,000 to BCP Council so Dorset residents can use its recycling centres.

However, under the new system, non-Dorset residents will have to pay a fee to cover the cost of their waste disposal and site maintenance.

The booking system also aims to prevent misuse by commercial operators posing as household users, thus further reducing disposal costs.

The initiative supports Dorset Council’s environmental goals, as fewer trips with more waste per visit are expected, leading to fewer car journeys, less congestion and lower emissions.

The system promises better site access control, enabling staff to spend more time assisting visitors and managing waste, which will lead to higher recycling rates.

Councillor Andrews dismissed concerns about increased fly-tipping due to the booking system.

He said: “Law-abiding and considerate people will not turn into fly-tipping criminals simply because they need to spend a couple of minutes booking a slot at an HRC.

“We won’t be turning any legitimate users away while the new system beds in.”

Most bookings can be made for the same day, with no limit on the number of visits for most vehicles.