From Monday, booking a slot to visit the tip will no longer be optional at four Dorset recycling centres – the long-discussed change that has stirred local concern is about to take effect.
Dorset Council is introducing mandatory advance booking at sites in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne from 23rd March, with visitors required to reserve a 30-minute time slot before travelling.
The move was proposed last year and has been rumbling on for months, but its arrival now brings into force a system that will not affect all parts of the county equally.
The council says the change will help manage demand and reduce queuing at some of its busiest sites. It marks a significant shift in how residents access the centres – but its impact will not be felt evenly. Both Shaftesbury and Sherborne sit very close to county boundaries, and their recycling centres have long been used by residents living just over the border. In some cases, villages such as Semley are just a couple of miles away.
Under the new system, those residents can still use Dorset sites – but at a cost. Anyone living outside the Dorset Council area will now be charged a non-refundable £8.50 per visit, payable when booking.
For households used to making short, routine trips across the border, that introduces a clear change: pay to continue using the nearest site, or travel significantly further.
To book a visit, residents must provide contact details, their chosen site, vehicle registration and preferred time slot via the council’s website or phone service. Proof of address must also be carried, such as a utility bill or council tax statement, as it may be requested on arrival, with staff carrying out spot checks.
Those bringing DIY waste and wishing to use their free allowance must also book in advance.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said the system would make visits ‘more predictable’ and help sites run more smoothly.
‘By asking residents to book ahead, we can manage these sites more smoothly,’ he said. ‘The camera and light system at the entrance will help keep traffic moving steadily, and our teams will be there to support anyone who needs help.’
Other recycling centres in Dorset will continue to operate without bookings.
How to book
To book a visit, go to the Dorset Council website dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for “recycling centre bookings” or the name of the HRC you wish to visit. Fill in the short online form with:
- your name and contact details
- which recycling centre you want to visit
- your vehicle registration number (if you are using a vehicle)
- the date and time slot you would like to come.
If you cannot book online, you can use the council’s phone booking service by calling 01305 221037 and following the instructions.
Also bring proof of the address you booked under, such as a recent utility bill or council tax bill.
