Bookings set to stay at recycling centres

A decision has been made to keep the booking process at all 21 recycling centres permanently.

The booking process was trialled in three phases. In February 2022, a booking process was introduced for vans and large vehicles at the nine van-friendly sites. In June 2022, a booking process for cars was introduced at Rayleigh Recycling Centre. The booking process trial was extended to cover all Essex County Council (ECC) recycling centres in March 2023.

Towards the end of 2023, ECC launched a six-week public consultation. This was to give people the opportunity to have their say on whether the booking process should be retained.

More than 18,000 people completed the consultation survey. Independent analysis of the responses show 58% of respondents were in favour of keeping the booking process for cars. 72% were in favour of keeping the booking process for vans.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling said: 

"Efficient waste services play an important role in increasing recycling and reducing waste. This is why we are pleased that a decision has been taken to keep the booking process permanently.

The booking process was introduced to help smooth service demand throughout the day. Incidents of congestion and queuing have reduced since the trial started. This has made our sites safer and more efficient.

Our final evaluation of the booking trial shows that overall satisfaction with the booking process is high. Going forward, we will use the consultation feedback to enhance our waste services.”

Read the full evaluation of the booking trial or find out more information about booking a slot.