Wiltshire tip booking system draws mixed verdict after month

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

Wiltshire Council's month-old trial booking system for waste sites has received 38,000 bookings but drawn complaints from residents about inflexibility.

Wiltshire Council introduced a booking system for its household waste sites a month ago, requiring residents to reserve a time slot before visiting. The council reported that 38,000 bookings had been made since the trial launched, and more than a hundred residents responded within 24 hours to a social media request to share their views on the new arrangement.

The most common complaint centred on the loss of spontaneity. Previously, residents could drive to a tip whenever convenient without advance notice. Chris Jackson said he preferred the old system, explaining that he now had to hold onto rubbish and plan his visit in advance, adding that 'the time slots are not always suitable for me'.

Some residents faced particular difficulties. During a house move, one person found the booking system problematic because they could not predict when they would have time to dispose of multiple loads, and their small car meant several trips would be necessary. They eventually paid for a professional clearance service instead. Another resident, Sandy Duerdoth, reported that rubbish accumulated in their garden for over nine days while waiting for a suitable weekday slot around their work schedule.

Other residents questioned whether the booking requirement was necessary at quieter sites. Lucy Scott reported using Purton without apparent congestion issues.

The outlets do not report the council's response to these criticisms or whether the trial is continuing beyond the initial month.

How it is being reported

• One month on - what is the verdict on the Wiltshire tip booking system?It's been a month since Wiltshire residents were asked to make a booking before taking a trip to the skip.Swindon Advertiser · 14 Oct, 05:00
• One month on - what is the verdict on the Wiltshire tip booking system?It's been a month since Wiltshire residents were asked to make a booking before taking a trip to the skip.Wiltshire Times · 14 Oct, 05:00
• One month on - what is the verdict on the Wiltshire tip booking system?It's been a month since Wiltshire residents were asked to make a booking before taking a trip to the skip.Gazette & Herald · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wiltshire Council · Wiltshire · Purton

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