A MOVE to introduce an online booking system for recycling centres in Dorset has been met with anger – but Dorset Council said it will save taxpayers money.
The council, which is facing “serious financial pressures”, claims that other authorities that have implemented the new system have saved up to £650,000 a year.
Dorset Council currently pays £435,000 to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council so Dorset residents can use their recycling centres – but BCP residents have been using Dorset’s sites for free.
The new system will mean non-Dorset residents will have to pay a fee to visit a recycling centre in the county to help cover the cost of their waste disposal and site maintenance.
The new booking system will reportedly save up to £100,000 at both the Shaftesbury and Sherborne sites alone.
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.
READ MORE: Public slam plans to introduce booking system at Dorset recycling centres – with petition launched
FULL DETAILS: Want to visit a Household Recycling Centre in Dorset? You’ll soon need to book online
“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 new system will reportedly also mean staff can spend more time assisting visitors and managing waste, which leads to higher recycling rates and less waste incinerated or sent to landfill.
Fly-tipping
One of the main criticisms of the new system is that more people will opt to fly-tip their waste rather than book online.
But Dorset Council said that the evidence doesn’t support a link between booking systems and increased illegal dumping.
They reference a DEFRA study of 54 councils that found no significant rise in fly-tipping after similar systems were introduced.
Cllr Andrews added: “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. And we won’t be turning any legitimate users away while the new system beds in.”
What about those who don’t use the internet?
While the new system will first start online, the council has confirmed that an option to book via the phone will be introduced “in due course”.
Those people unable to book online from day one can still take their waste to an HRC where they will be given assistance with using the new system on site.
Most bookings can be made for the same day, and there is no limit on the number of visits for most vehicles.
Visitors can arrive at any point during their allocated half-hour slot, and anyone arriving late can simply speak to site staff before unloading their waste.
“This is about working smarter,” said cllr Andrews. “We’re protecting essential services through innovation, not cuts.
“The booking system helps us manage demand, reduce misuse, save money, and improve the experience for everyone.”
The changes are set to come into place this autumn.
Read more about residents’ reaction to the plans here.
A petition calling for the new booking system to not be introduced in Bridport has been signed by 3,121 people.
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