A NEW booking system is being introduced at Warwickshire recycling centres.
Warwickshire County Council made the decision following a review of the recent ‘no booking’ trial implemented to assess the impact of removing booking and also to try to make it easier for residents to access their local recycling centre.
The new approach, which comes into effect on Monday July 20, aims to reduce avoidable queuing at the busiest sites and times, while keeping access as flexible as possible for residents.
Unlike the previous county-wide booking system, the new arrangements will be tailored by site and by day, so booking will only be required where needed to help manage demand.
The trial revealed high demand and prolonged queues at certain sites during busy days and periods of good weather. Some sites experienced higher demand, queues, traffic impacts, full containers and temporary restrictions on some materials during busy periods.
WCC’s waste management team is conducting an extensive analysis of the trial period. This includes a detailed review of visitor numbers, waste tonnages, recycling performance, and service issues.
And the review is also heavily informed by a county-wide customer survey, which received over 2,400 responses from residents sharing their experiences and preferences. Of the 2,400 survey responses received, half supported some form of booking.
The new tailored “hybrid” approach will see booking requirements vary depending on the specific location. Some sites will remain completely open without the need to book, others will require booking only on weekends and bank holidays, and one site will return to a full-time booking system.
WCC environment spokesman Coun Darren Cheshire said: “We want to thank the 2,400 residents who took the time to share their feedback during the recent trial. We have listened closely to your views and looked hard at the data. What became clear is that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for our diverse county.
“While many appreciated the spontaneity of no-booking, the resulting queues on sunny weekends at our busier sites caused frustration and service issues. This new hybrid system is a balanced, data-driven solution.
“By keeping some sites open for unbooked visits and using booking to manage peak demand at busier locations, we can ensure a smoother, safer, and more efficient recycling experience for everyone in Warwickshire.”
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New Booking Arrangements:
Hunters Lane (Rugby) – booking required seven days a week
Cherry Orchard (Kenilworth) – no booking required
Princes Drive (Leamington) – booking required on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays
Burton Farm (Stratford) – no booking required
Wellesbourne – booking required on Saturdays and Sundays
Shipston – no booking required
Stockton – booking required on Saturdays and Sundays
