PLANS to introduce an online booking system for tips in Dorset are likely to be pushed through – despite residents’ opposition.
Under the new system, which is expected to be rolled out in autumn, residents will have to book a 30-minute slot rather than just turning up as and when.
Criticisms have been raised of the plans as many residents complained the new system would alienate the elderly and increase incidents of people fly-tipping waste.
In a new statement, Dorset Council said they are “determined to move forward” with the changes, which will cost £120,000 to set up with an ongoing maintenance cost of £20,000 a year.
“We understand that any change to a valued public service will raise concerns,” said councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council cabinet member for place services.
“But this booking system is not about restricting access—it’s about protecting it.
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“Other councils have already adopted similar systems with high levels of public satisfaction, and we believe this is the right step to ensure our recycling centres remain open, efficient, and accessible.”
A council spokesperson said: “Dorset Council is determined to move forward with the introduction of a Household Recycling Centre (HRC, or the tip) booking system later this year, a decision made to safeguard essential services while delivering vital cost savings.”
Under the new system, residents living in neighbouring counties would be unable to get rid of waste at Dorset Council tips – a move that the council said will see more than £100,000 saved from the Sherborne and Shaftesbury tips, as it will no longer have to pay for the disposal of waste from outside the county, which they said accounts for around 20% of what is dropped off at those sites.
They said that other saving options considered include reducing opening days, which would save up to £439,000 but would limit access, and permanently closing sites could save £150,000 – £200,000 per site but would reduce local service coverage.
The council currently pays £830,000 to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Hampshire councils so Dorset residents can use their recycling centres.
It said that ceasing these cross-border payments would likely only save around £200,000 due to a subsequent rise in disposal costs as people start using Dorset Council HRCs instead, and that residents in the east and southeast of the county would be hugely inconvenienced and/or could be forced to pay additional entry fees to BCP and Hampshire sites.
85% of councillors made it clear that the changes would not be welcome at a recent cross-party workshop, but Dorset Council said the majority supported improved access and consistency across sites, with 71% of members opposing service cuts such as reduced hours or site closures.
While the council acknowledged the concerns raised by some residents, it points to the success of booking systems in other areas, where they have made significant savings and improved the overall user experience.
“We know this decision hasn’t been welcomed by everyone, and we’re listening to those concerns,” added cllr Jon Andrews.
“But we also have a responsibility to make the best use of public money.
“This booking system allows us to make necessary savings while keeping the same level of service that residents value. It’s a practical solution that protects what matters most.”
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