Booking system to begin at recycling centre

Visitors to the Household Recycling Centre in Bowerhill will soon need to book an appointment as part of a pilot scheme being introduced by Wiltshire Council.

Residents can begin booking visits online from Tuesday 8th September, ahead of the appointment-only system starting at the site on Monday 14th September.

The Bowerhill centre is one of six Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) included in the pilot, which aims to reduce queuing, improve the customer experience and minimise disruption for nearby communities and businesses.

Residents will initially be able to book a 30-minute slot up to one week in advance, with some same-day appointments also available.

Wiltshire Council says slot lengths and site capacity will be regularly reviewed throughout the pilot to ensure the service meets demand while maintaining efficient site operations.

The introduction of the booking system will not affect the centre’s opening hours, vehicle permit requirements or the types of waste accepted.

Residents are encouraged to use the online booking system wherever possible. Anyone unable to access or use the online service can contact Wiltshire Council’s Customer Services team for assistance with making a booking.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, Cllr Paul Sample JP, said, “We’re introducing this pilot to help make visits to our recycling centres as smooth and convenient as possible for residents.

“Booking systems are already used successfully by many councils, and this pilot will help us understand how the approach works in Wiltshire and what benefits it can bring.”

Further information about the booking system, including a ‘how to’ video, is available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/bookhrc.

The other Household Recycling Centres included in the pilot are Devizes, Lower Compton near Calne, Purton, Salisbury and Stanton St Quintin near Chippenham.