From Monday (13 March), residents visiting our recycling centres will need to book a slot.
The recycling centre booking process is a trial that is set to be in place until December 2023.
It has already been trialled for all vehicles using Rayleigh Recycling Centre, and for large vehicles using our nine van-friendly sites. Both trials have been effective in smoothing the pattern of demand across operating hours and reducing queues and congestion both in and around the sites.
Residents will be able to book their slots on the Love Essex website. Same day bookings can be made, if slots are available.
Watch this video explaining the booking process:
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Bookings will be required to visit an Essex County Council recycling centre from Monday 13 March.
“You can book your slot online or you can phone the Contact Centre on 0345 743 0430 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, where staff will make the booking on your behalf.
“The sites have been less congested since we started trialling a booking system at our van-friendly sites and Rayleigh Recycling Centre. We’ve also been able to reduce the misuse of sites by vehicles carrying commercial waste.
“We will monitor the trial to measure its success and can make amendments as necessary.
“The trial will be fully evaluated in Autumn 2023 before any decisions are made about the future of bookings.”
Pedestrians, cyclists and Blue Badge holders do not need to book a slot.