Booking system could start at recycling centres

Bookings would be made via an online or telephone booking system if the proposal is approved

People could need to book before visiting waste recycling centres across East Sussex if a proposal gets the go-ahead.

East Sussex County Council said the move could reduce queuing at sites, help it save £50,000 a year and reduce trade waste.

The authority is looking to make savings to fill an expected £55m funding gap next year.

A consultation will run for eight weeks, closing on 22 December.

Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Reductions in funding and increasing demand for services means the county council will have to make some difficult choices in order to balance the budget next year."

She said no decision had been made yet, adding that the council was "in a fortunate position to be able to look at the impact booking systems have had in neighbouring authorities”.

The proposal would see the introduction of a booking portal, where residents would be able to book a time slot to visit one of the county’s 10 household waste recycling sites. Bookings by telephone would also be available.

Ms Dowling said the council was aware of “concerns that booking systems could lead to an increase in fly-tipping", but added that a 2023 report commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) "found no evidence" of this.

“Feedback and concerns raised during the consultation will be taken into account when councillors make a decision when they come to set the budget in February 2025,” she added.