Fears that a trial booking scheme to use some of Wiltshire's recycling centres could lead to pay-to-tip charges have been addressed by the council.
Wiltshire Council has also commented on whether gate attendants at the recycling centres, who check vehicle registrations against the booking system, will become a permanent feature.
A controversial booking scheme came into force last Monday (September 14).
Residents who want to use six of the county's 10 household recycling centres must now book online before making a trip to the tip.
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The trial has sparked concerns that Wiltshire is laying the ground for a pay-to-tip charging scheme, where residents would be charged - per visit or by the kilo - to pay to recycle.
But the rumour has been scotched by Wiltshire Council.
Sarah Valdus, director of waste at Wiltshire Council said: “Councils in England are not allowed to charge people who are resident within the local authority area to enter their local household recycling centre or to dispose of normal household waste.
"However councils can place limits on the amount of some DIY waste materials accepted for free.
"Wiltshire Council has not made a policy decision to charge at this time."
Meanwhile, the future of the gate attendants who check in visitors against the council's booking system has been addressed.
“During the trial, staff will remain at site entrances to check bookings and provide assistance when needed," said Sarah.
"We know that some councils use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and we are speaking with other local authorities to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
"However, no further investment in the booking system will be considered until a decision has been made on whether the pilot should become a permanent service."
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She added: "The trial is helping us gather valuable evidence about how the system works in practice.
"Early booking numbers have been encouraging, and we have received positive feedback from many residents on our social media channels."
Site operatives are employees of the council's contractors FCC Environment or Hills Waste Solutions.
The recycling centres at which pre-booking is required are Devizes, Lower Compton near Calne, Melksham, Purton, Salisbury, and Stanton St Quintin near Chippenham.
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