A change is to be made to the booking system that has been trialled at Shropshire Council’s household recycling centres (HRCs) since last November.

The booking system’s primary goal is to reduce the amount of trade waste and waste from outside Shropshire brought into the five centres – and to stop the council paying to dispose of this waste.

Latest figures show that for the three months from November 2024 to January 2025, general waste taken to the centres has reduced by 892 tonnes (or 28%) compared to the same period last year. This provides evidence that less trade waste and waste from people who live outside Shropshire – which Shropshire residents then had to fund the disposal of – is coming into the HRCs

However, following feedback from residents about the booking system and to make it as easy as possible for Shropshire residents to use the centres, from later this month (date to be confirmed) those visiting by car will no longer need to book in advance – but on arrival may be asked to show proof that they live in Shropshire .

People visiting with a van or trailer will still need to book a slot in advance, using the existing system, and must also show proof of residency when they arrive.

Anyone from outside Shropshire will be turned away.

Ian Nellins, Cabinet member with responsibility for waste management, said:

“Our recycling centres are there to dispose of Shropshire’s household waste only, not waste from outside of Shropshire, or trade waste.

“We’ve studied the visitor numbers and statistics for the five centres for the three months since November and it’s clear that – as intended – the booking system has led to a big fall in trade waste and waste from outside of Shropshire brought to the centres. This is saving us a significant amount of money in waste disposal costs.

“However, we’ve also listened to the feedback we’re getting from residents about the booking system and we recognise that some people find it inconvenient. Therefore, car drivers will no longer need to book a visit in advance, but on arrival may be required to show proof that they live in Shropshire.

“And keeping the requirement for vans/trailers to book will help to ensure that trade waste isn’t taken to the centres.”

“We believe this change means we can continue to keep out non-Shropshire waste, and trade waste, while improving things for local residents who want to visit a recycling centre.”

Proof of Shropshire residency can – for example – be a driver’s licence, council tax or utilities bill.

As now, only residents who live in the county of Shropshire will be able to visit the centres.