East Sussex Recycling Centres May Require Advance Booking

Residents in East Sussex might be required to book appointments before visiting waste recycling centres if a new proposal receives approval. East Sussex County Council indicated that this measure could lead to reduced queues at facilities, generate annual savings of £50,000, and decrease commercial waste. The authority is seeking to implement cost-saving initiatives to address an anticipated £55 million funding shortfall projected for the upcoming year. An eight-week public consultation period is scheduled, concluding on December 22. Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, stated: “Reductions in funding and increasing demand for services means the county council will have to make some difficult choices in order to balance the budget next year.” She clarified that no final decision has been reached, further stating that the council finds itself “in a fortunate position to be able to look at the impact booking systems have had in neighbouring authorities”. The proposed system would involve establishing a booking portal, enabling residents to reserve a specific time slot for visiting any of the county’s 10 household waste recycling sites. Telephone booking options would also be provided. Ms Dowling acknowledged that the council is cognizant of “concerns that booking systems could lead to an increase in fly-tipping”, but she noted that a 2023 report commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) “found no evidence” of such an outcome. She concluded: “Feedback and concerns raised during the consultation will be taken into account when councillors make a decision when they come to set the budget in February 2025.”