Controversial Norfolk recycling centre booking system starts

Norfolk County Council has introduced a system whereby people have to pre-book 15-minute slots to take rubbish and recycling to its 18 recycling centres.

The booking system for Norfolk's recycling centres has been launched (Image: Norfolk County Council)

People taking waste to the tips from Monday, November 18, will need to have booked their visit, either online or by telephone.

The booking system went live online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/62632/Norfolk-Recycling-Centre-bookings and by phone on 0344 800 8020 on Monday, November 11.

People can book one week in advance of their planned trip to the tip.

Only one slot can be booked at a time, but, the council says, as long as slots are available, more than one can be booked each day.

People booking need to choose their recycling centre and provide details, including their vehicle registration.

They then receive an email confirming the booking.

The booking system for Norfolk's recycling centres has been launched (Image: Dan Grimmer)

People will need to arrive at the time they have chosen, with council bosses warning those who are not on time may be turned away.

Conservative-controlled County Hall said it needed to make the change to reduce costs.

The authority said it faces a bill of up to £1m because the government abolished some of fees charged for getting rid of household DIY waste.

Critics slammed the move, saying it will discourage people from recycling and trigger a fly-tipping surge - a claim County Hall has rejected.

People do not need to book if they are heading to the recycling centre this week, before the timed slots begin.

Earlier this month, the council changed how much it charges businesses to get rid of rubbish such as garden waste, rubble, scrap metal, plasterboard and timber at the seven recycling centres which accept it.

Companies offering services such as gardening, landscaping and house clearances, warned they could go under - or have to pass extra costs on to customers.