Dorset Council delays rollout of recycling centre booking system until 2026
Dorset Council’s new controversial booking system for its recycling centres has been delayed until early 2026
Dorset Council has announced that its new booking system for Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) will now launch in early 2026 - a year later than planned.
The push back comes as the local authority looks to ensure the system operates “smoothly for everyone”.
The scheme, due to be introduced this year at Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne recycling centres, is intended to make the service “fairer, greener and better value” for residents.
It will also help manage demand more effectively and improve recycling rates by allowing staff more time to assist people in separating waste.
Councillor Jon Andrews said the delay would give the council time to refine the system and avoid potential disruption.
“We’re taking a little extra time to make sure the system works smoothly for everyone,” he said. “This is about delivering a better experience for residents and ensuring the service remains fair, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.”
The booking system will remain free and simple to use for Dorset residents, with online and phone bookings available, including same-day appointments and multiple visits.
However, non-Dorset visitors will face a small per-visit fee. The council says the move will protect local taxpayers from covering the cost of waste brought in from outside the county or by businesses avoiding commercial disposal charges.
All other Dorset Council recycling centres will continue to operate without booking requirements for now.
While the council insists the changes will ensure long-term sustainability, some residents remain unconvinced.
Richard, from Sherborne, said: “This idea should be scrapped completely. Sherborne works perfectly fine as it is and has done so for years. If 20% of its use is from people in Somerset, then charge Somerset Council their share of the costs rather than inconveniencing Dorset residents.”
The council said further details on the rollout and how residents can book will be published closer to the launch date.