A CONTROVERSIAL rollout of a new booking system for recycling centres in Dorset will now come in early 2026 – not later this year as previously planned.
The new system will be introduced at tips in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury, and Sherborne and will require people to book a 30-minute slot online or by the phone before entry.
Dorset Council also said that visitors from other counties will be asked to pay a “small fee” per visit. All other Dorset Council recycling centres remain open without booking for residents, except when disposing of DIY waste.
Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “We’re taking a little extra time to make sure the system works smoothly for everyone.
“This is about delivering a better experience for residents and ensuring the service remains fair, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.”
The council claims the new system will help prevent misuse of recycling centres by visitors from outside the county or businesses avoiding commercial charges – making sure Dorset taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for waste that isn’t theirs to manage.
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But many residents reacted strongly to the plans when your New Blackmore Vale first reported on the booking system.
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.
One reader said: “In what way will a booking system save money? Additionally, why are residents’ objections, which are substantial, being ignored by our elected officials?
“This is a ridiculous waste of funds, a waste of time for Dorset employees, and a major, annoyance for tax-paying citizens. Dorset Council should concentrate on the real problems in our county.”
Another reader, Simon Eadon, said: “Will councillors personally reimburse council funds when the scheme fails? It’s a colossal waste of money. There are much cheaper options to deter interlopers. And of course, these systems always cost more than expected as will the running costs.
“A simple sticker in one’s car window or random driving licence checks would be worth trying for a start before committing loads of money which would better spent on other things.”
Dorset Council says the new scheme would save taxpayers money. It 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.
But implementing the new system will cost £120,000, with an ongoing maintenance cost of £20,000 a year.
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