Recycling bookings go live: What you need to know

The new booking system will go live from Tuesday

A booking system for residents to use household recycling centres in the Shropshire Council area goes live on Tuesday.

Slots will be available from Monday 4 November, which the authority said would reduce queues and save money.

Bookings can be made online or by phone, with the new system meaning users can no longer just turn up - a potential frustration the council said it recognised.

"I'd just like the residents of Shropshire to work with us, engage with us, understand why this is - there are reasons we're doing this, it will help save money," said Ian Nellins, deputy leader and portfolio holder for climate change, environment and transport.

Where are Shropshire's recycling centres?

The centres are in Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Craven Arms, Bridgnorth, and Oswestry.

They will all remain open seven days a week until March 2025, when a review of operations will take place.

"We very much wanted to keep all the household recycling centres open, which is what our residents said in consultation," said Mr Nellins.

"We did look at closing them all one day a week, but they’ll stay open completely because we’ve had extra funding from Veolia."

Is the service still free, and how will it save money?

The service will remain free and open to all residents from across Shropshire.

Mr Nellins said the new booking system would help the authority save money, as people often travelled from Staffordshire, Wales, Wolverhampton and Cheshire to use Shropshire's recycling centres.

"We have a lot of people come from outside of Shropshire to recycle their waste, and Shropshire residents are funding the processing of that waste at the tune of over £100 a tonne," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"We will save a lot of money by being able to police that, by people when they come to household recycling centres being checked [for] a booking."

How will the new system work?

When you book, you will be given a 15-minute slot, or 30 minutes if you have a van or trailer.

When you arrive, you will be asked to show proof of address, like a driving licence, utility bill, or council tax bill.

You will be turned away if you have not booked.

"Staff will be as flexible as possible to help people if they’re slightly earlier or slightly late," said Mr Nellins.

I live in Telford and Wrekin, but my closest centre is in Shropshire - what do I do?

You will be able to use a recycling centre in Shropshire.

"There’s a few things to be ironed out there, but yes, in principal, as far as we’re concerned, Telford and Wrekin residents will still be able to use ours," said Mr Nellins.

"We’re negotiating with Telford and Wrekin that our residents that are closer to theirs, will use theirs."

What are the benefits of introducing bookings?

Benefits included less congestion and more help from staff, Mr Nellins said.

Due to less traffic, staff would be able to help people put recycling in the right places, which in turn would boost recycling rates, he added.

How and when can I book?

You can book online or by phone.

Bookings begin on Tuesday, and the new system comes into effect from 4 November.

You will be able to book a slot up to six days before your visit, and will also be able to book on the same day.