Residents planning a trip to the tip will soon need to take an extra step before setting off, as Dorset Council introduces a new booking system at four of its household recycling centres (HRCs). From Monday, 23 March 2026, anyone visiting sites in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne will need to reserve a time slot in advance.
The change is designed to make visits smoother and more predictable, reducing queues and improving traffic flow at some of the county’s busiest recycling centres. Other sites across Dorset will continue to operate without a booking requirement for local residents.
How the booking system works
Booking a slot is a straightforward process and can be completed online in just a few minutes. Residents should visit the Dorset Council website or search for their chosen recycling centre. From there, they will be asked to fill in a short form including their name and contact details, the site they wish to visit, and their preferred date and time.
If travelling by vehicle, visitors must also provide their registration number, which will later be used by an automated system at the site entrance. Once the booking is complete, residents will receive confirmation—typically by email or text—which should be kept handy for reference.
For those who are less confident using digital services, a telephone booking option is available. By calling 01305 221037 and following the instructions, residents can secure a slot without needing to go online.
Each booking provides a 30-minute arrival window. Importantly, visitors do not need to arrive at the exact start time of their slot; they can turn up at any point within that half-hour period.
Who needs to book
The requirement applies to all visitors to the four named sites, regardless of how they travel. Whether arriving by car, van, bicycle or even on foot, a booking must be made in advance.
The system also ties into rules around DIY waste. Residents bringing items such as rubble, tiles or bathroom fittings—and wishing to use their free DIY waste allowance—must ensure they have booked a slot beforehand.
While Dorset’s recycling centres remain open to all for household waste, there is a charge for those living outside the Dorset Council area. Non-residents will need to pay a non-refundable fee of £8.50 when booking their visit online.
What to bring with you
To ensure the system operates fairly, visitors are asked to bring proof of the address used when making the booking. Acceptable documents include a driving licence, a recent utility bill, or a council tax statement. Digital copies on a phone are also permitted.
In addition, residents should have their booking confirmation ready in case staff need to verify it. While not every visitor will be checked, occasional spot checks will be carried out at the entrance.
What happens on arrival
The most noticeable change at the recycling centres will be the introduction of an automated entry system. On arrival, drivers should follow the signs and stop at the designated point.
A camera will scan the vehicle’s number plate and match it against the booking database. If a valid booking is found, a green light will appear, allowing entry when it is safe to proceed. If no booking is detected, an amber light will flash and the driver will be directed to speak with a member of staff.
Visitors arriving without a vehicle should report to staff at the entrance, who will check their booking and guide them safely onto the site.
A smoother experience
Councillor Jon Andrews said the new system is intended to improve the overall experience for residents. By managing the number of visitors at any one time, the council hopes to reduce congestion and make trips to the recycling centre quicker and more predictable.
Staff will also be on hand to assist anyone unfamiliar with the process, ensuring that the transition to the new system is as smooth as possible.
For residents, the message is clear: plan ahead, book your slot, and enjoy a more efficient visit to the tip.
