Booking System for Recycling Centres Sees High Initial Usage

Within its initial six weeks, a pilot booking system implemented at three Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) in Cornwall recorded 29,700 users. The system commenced operations at Newquay and Saltash on September 9, followed by St Erth on September 23. These three locations are recognized as the county’s busiest and frequently experience extensive queues and prolonged waiting periods. Cornwall Council reported that the new arrangement significantly decreased waiting times at the three facilities and transformed them into “friendlier” environments. Vicki Hughes, who reserved a slot at the Saltash HWRC to dispose of waste, stated the system “worked a treat.” She added, “I only booked this slot 10 minutes ago. It’s brilliant: got on, booked it, here I am.” Robin Gold, another visitor to the Saltash site, described the situation as “horrendous” prior to the booking system’s implementation. He recounted, “You couldn’t get into the site; irate people couldn’t get into Waitrose, and you just had chaos out on the main road.” He further noted, “I’ve been here three times under a booking, and I drive past Saltash probably twice a week and I’ve never seen a queue since it started.” However, Eric Whitley, a resident of Kingsand, recounted parking at the adjacent Waitrose for shopping and intending to walk to the recycling centre to dispose of some refuse. He stated: “In fact, when I arrived, and was turned away on foot, there was somebody else coming in – in a car – and I said: ‘Excuse me, can I have a lift with you?’ So I jumped in the back of his car and came in and deposited my waste.” He also commented that the online booking process is “very long-winded,” suggesting, “You ought to be able to set up an account and just go click and book a slot if you are a resident.” Stuart Parker, the senior site manager for Suez Recovery and Recycling, indicated that staff had experienced some abuse before the booking system was implemented. He explained, “We find a lot of it could be and is down to the amount of time people are queuing to come in.” He added, “We’ve certainly noticed it’s a happier, more friendly area on site right now.” Cornwall Council, which oversees the booking system, reported that 54% of users reserved a slot for the same day. Councillor Carol Mould, the portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, commented: “We’ve received really positive feedback from the public, as well as businesses that had been affected by queuing traffic outside the sites. The system has dramatically reduced waiting times at the three trial centres. This in turn means people have a better experience when they visit, and it’s safer for everyone. We will continue to review the data throughout the trial period and monitor the impact the booking system is having.”