Frustration over tip availability as 'Covid' booking system remains
Some have questioned why it's still in place
Last updated 7th Nov 2023
Council bosses in Hampshire insist the booking system at recycling centres has proved popular despite frustration over availability.
It was introduced during Covid, but is still in place.
The authority says the booking process has helped to reduce queues and they've not seen an impact on flytipping as a result.
Bosses also confirm bookings can be made at any time subject to availability and going twice in a day is allowed, if there's an empty slot.
Although this doesn't apply to the tip at Somerley near Ringwood, which experiences poor Wi-Fi connectivity.
A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “The Household Waste Recycling Centre booking system that was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, has proved to be both popular with residents and helped to remove operational issues such as frequent queuing. For these reasons, the booking system has been retained.
“Bookings can be made on the day required, subject to availability, and return bookings on the same day are available at all sites, except for Somerley near Ringwood, which experiences poor local Wi-Fi connectivity.
“Fly-tipping is predominantly carried out by a minority of individuals who aim to profit from the illegal disposal of waste rather than individual householders.
"Incidences of illegal tipping in Hampshire have not been impacted by the introduction of the booking system with most residents choosing to dispose of this waste responsibly.”