New booking system for Suffolk's recycling centres set to be launched

Residents across Suffolk might still have to plan in advance before taking their rubbish to the tip, but the county council has said its booking system is set to become easier to use than ever.

While still having to use an online form, from Monday a redesigned system is set to launch which will allow people to view time slots in real time, allowing users to see which slots are free.

The system allows you to book up to seven days in advance. If circumstances change, you can easily cancel your slot up to one hour beforehand or equally, you can click to amend your booking if required.

And, Suffolk County Council said, the new system will scan car number plates to trial automatic entry gates at its tips, removing a step in the process.

Cllr Richard Smith, the council's cabinet member for economic development, transport and waste, said the new system allowed them to make best use of all available slots.

"The system has been developed with our customers in mind, with staff taking on board the views and comments received through regular customer feedback and interactions over the past year," he said.

"Our site teams have done a great job in maintaining high levels of customer service during such difficult circumstances and as we begin to recover from Covid as a county. I am pleased to launch this new online service to help people access the services they need, when and how they want to.”

The county council has claimed it has overwhelming support for the use of a booking system at its tips. It has said the use of bookings meant the the frustration of long queues at peak times could be avoided and it would increase the overall throughput and efficiency of the service for residents.

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