From Monday 13 March 2023, residents visiting Essex County Council (ECC) recycling centres will need to book in advance.
A booking system will be trialled for all vehicles visiting ECC recycling centres to help manage waiting times, reduce congestion, and improve the customer experience.
The booking process has already been trialled for all vehicles using Rayleigh Recycling Centre, and also for large vehicles using the nine van-friendly sites.
Both trials have been effective in smoothing the pattern of demand across operating hours and reducing queues and congestion both in and around the sites.
Residents will be able to book their slots in advance from Monday 27 February.
Blue Badge holders do not need to book a slot.
Pedestrians and cyclists carrying waste from their own home are also not required to book. Cyclists visiting recycling centres are asked to leave their push bikes at the pedestrian gate and should not bring them into the site. There are no cycle paths for them to safely travel on the pedestrian walkways. Please note, any resident that parks outside and attempts to walk waste in will be refused entry.
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, ECC Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “The booking system trials at both Rayleigh Recycling Centre and the van-friendly sites have been well-received by residents. The sites have been less congested, and we’ve been able to reduce the misuse of sites by vehicles carrying commercial waste. Residents will continue to be encouraged to switch off their engines when waiting to access the recycling centres. We will monitor the trial to measure its success and can make amendments as necessary.”