Dorset Council Delays New HRC Booking System to 2026 to Ensure Smooth Rollout
Residents to Benefit from Fairer, Greener Service Aimed at Protecting Taxpayer Funds
Dorset Council has announced a revised timeline for the introduction of its much-anticipated booking system at four local Household Recycling Centres (HRCs). The new system, initially planned for this year, will now launch in early 2026, giving the council “a little extra time to make sure the system works smoothly for everyone.”
The pilot scheme is set to be implemented at the HRCs in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury, and Sherborne. Its primary objectives are to create a fairer, more efficient service for residents, boost recycling rates, and crucially, protect Dorset taxpayers from covering the cost of waste disposal for people from outside the county.
Councillor Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, explained the decision: “We’re taking this time to deliver a better experience for residents and ensure the service remains fair, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. This is about getting it right for the long term.”
A System Designed for Dorset Residents
The new booking model is a direct response to concerns about the misuse of the county’s recycling facilities. Key features of the system include:
- Free and Straightforward Access for Locals: Dorset residents will continue to have free access to the participating HRCs by booking a slot online or by phone. Same-day bookings and multiple visits will be permitted.
- Tackling Misuse: The system is designed to prevent two key issues: visitors from outside Dorset using the sites for free and businesses illegally disposing of commercial waste to avoid charges. This ensures that Dorset council tax-payers are not “footing the bill for waste that isn’t theirs to manage.”
- Charging for Non-Residents: Anyone visiting from outside Dorset will be required to pay a small fee per visit to use the four pilot sites.
- Promoting Recycling: By managing demand and reducing queues, staff will have more time to support residents in correctly separating their waste, which is expected to lead to higher reuse and recycling rates.
It is important to note that all other Dorset Council recycling centres will remain open without the need for a booking for residents, except when disposing of DIY waste.
The council has stated that further updates, including the specific launch date in early 2026 and detailed instructions on how to book, will be shared with the public in due course.
