A trial that will see visitors have to book before using six of Wiltshire's recycling centres starts soon.
The pilot booking system opens for reservations on September 8, with the appointment-only scheme coming into force on September 14.
From that date, anyone wishing to use the participating recycling centres will need to secure a slot in advance.
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The trial will cover six Household Recycling Centres: Devizes, Lower Compton near Calne, Melksham, Purton, Salisbury and Stanton St Quintin near Chippenham.
Wiltshire Council says the move is designed to tackle operational challenges caused by rising demand at recycling centres across the county.
The authority hopes the pilot will reduce queuing, improve safety, make visits more efficient and lessen disruption for neighbouring communities and businesses.
Under the scheme, residents will initially be able to book a 30-minute slot up to seven days in advance, with a limited number of same-day appointments also available.
The council says slot lengths will be kept under review to ensure centres can accommodate as many visitors as possible.
The authority stresses that the booking trial will not affect opening hours, vehicle permit requirements or the types of waste accepted at participating sites.
Residents without internet access will be able to make bookings through the council’s customer services team.
Councillor Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for environment, climate and waste, said the aim was to make visits “as smooth and convenient as possible” while helping the council understand whether booking systems can deliver benefits in Wiltshire.
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The council has also sought to address concerns that appointment systems could encourage fly-tipping.
It points to research by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which found no direct link between recycling centre booking systems and increased fly-tipping, and says waste crime levels will be monitored throughout the trial.
The pilot will run long enough for the council to assess its impact and gather residents’ views before deciding whether booking should become a permanent feature of the county’s recycling service.
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