A booking system will soon be introduced at Wimborne’s Household Recycling Centre following a change in plans by Dorset Council after public feedback, whilst Ferndown remains as it is.
The council had planned to introduce the system at all ten of its recycling sites later this year but will now begin with four locations: Wimborne, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.
Wimborne has been selected because of queuing and congestion problems on surrounding roads during peak times. Councillor Jon Andrews said this targeted approach would help improve access while protecting the service from future cuts.
The booking system is also aimed at tackling issues such as cross-border use, particularly at Shaftesbury and Sherborne, where about one in five visits are from outside Dorset. Those users will need to pay an entry fee once the system begins.
Wimborne residents will still be able to use the centre free of charge. Dorset Council will monitor the pilot scheme by tracking slot availability, fly-tipping reports, and customer feedback.
No evidence has been found so far linking booking systems to an increase in illegal dumping, but the council will continue to assess the impact carefully.
Further details on how to book will be shared ahead of the rollout.