Thousands book slots to use recycling centres

Eric Whitley said he was turned away from the recycling centre because he was on foot, so he jumped in a stranger's car to get in

A trial booking system at three Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) in Cornwall has been used by 29,700 people in its first six weeks.

The system was introduced at Newquay and Saltash on 9 September and St Erth on 23 September.

The three sites are the busiest in the county and are often subject to long queues and waiting times.

Cornwall Council said the new system had dramatically reduced waiting times at the three centres and made the sites "friendlier" areas.

Vicki Hughes said the new booking system "works a treat"

Vicki Hughes, who had booked a slot at the Saltash HWRC to unload some rubbish, said the system "worked a treat".

"I only booked this slot 10 minutes ago," she said. "It's brilliant: got on, booked it, here I am."

Robin Gold, who was also visiting the Saltash site, said it had been "horrendous" before the booking system was introduced.

"You couldn't get into the site; irate people couldn't get into Waitrose, and you just had chaos out on the main road," he said.

"I've been here three times under a booking, and I drive past Saltash probably twice a week and I've never seen a queue since it started," he said.

'Long-winded process'

But Eric Whitley, who lives in Kingsand, said he had parked at the nearby Waitrose to do some shopping and thought he would walk to the recycling centre to get rid of some rubbish.

He said: "In fact, when I arrived, and was turned away on foot, there was somebody else coming in - in a car - and I said: 'Excuse me, can I have a lift with you?' So I jumped in the back of his car and came in and deposited my waste.

"The process of booking online is very long-winded.

"You ought to be able to set up an account and just go click and book a slot if you are a resident," he said.

Stuart Parker, senior site manager at Suez, says the HWRC is a much happier now the booking system is in place

Stuart Parker, the senior site manager for Suez Recovery and Recycling, said there had been some abuse of staff before the booking system was introduced.

"We find a lot of it could be and is down to the amount of time people are queuing to come in," he said.

"We've certainly noticed it's a happier, more friendly area on site right now."

Cornwall Council is responsible for the booking system and said 54% of people booked a slot for the same day.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, said: “We’ve received really positive feedback from the public, as well as businesses that had been affected by queuing traffic outside the sites.

“The system has dramatically reduced waiting times at the three trial centres. This in turn means people have a better experience when they visit, and it’s safer for everyone.

“We will continue to review the data throughout the trial period and monitor the impact the booking system is having."