Booking system for waste centres could be staying

Authority launches consultation over tips

A booking system for Kent’s waste centres could be kept in place, but it could look different from the strict system imposed during last year’s lockdown.

Last year, instead of the freefor-all of turning up when you liked, which sometimes resulted in long queues at the recycling sites, KCC introduced a booking system, with customers required to book a half-hour slot online for their visit.

The measure was introduced to ensure adequate social distancing during the pandemic, but now the authority is considering making the scheme permanent, despite the government’s lifting of Covid restrictions, and is asking the public what they think.

KCC’s cabinet member for the environment, Susan Carey, said: “The booking system has been one of the ways we have been able to keep visitors and staff safe at our waste transfer sites.

“We know, from people surveyed, that it has proved popular with the majority who have taken part in our questionnaires, but we want to hear from

‘I would encourage as many people as possible, no matter the type of experience they have had, to take part in the consultation...’

those who may not have shared their thoughts with us before.

“We are therefore canvassing wider views on the booking system and I would like to encourage as many people as possible, no matter the type of experience they have had, to take part in the consultation.”

There are 18 waste transfer stations across the county. The proposed booking regime is not as restrictive as when it was first introduced, when there was a limit on the number of visits that could be made within a certain timeframe.

Now there is no limit to the number of visits that can be made and bookings can be amended or cancelled.

Bookings can be made for the next day and up to a month in advance.

KCC says advantages of a booking system will include air quality improvements and no wasted car journeys if queues prove impossibly long.

In pre-Covid years, 140,000 tonnes of waste were being taken to the 18 waste sites or disposal, with 3.3 million visits.

■ For more information, visit www.kent.gov.uk/wasteconsultation

The booking system could stay at the household waste recycling centre in Brunswick Road on Cobbs Wood

KCC’s cabinet member for environment Susan Carey