Book a Trip to the Tip
On 24 November, East Sussex County Council (ESCC) introduced a mandatory booking system for all its household waste recycling sites.
Residents arriving at the Hastings Household Waste Recycling Site are now being asked for their booking confirmation and proof they live in the county with identification such as a photocard, driving licence or Council Tax bill.
The aim of the booking system is to help reduce misuse of the sites by traders and out-of-county residents. ESCC claims that it will save the taxpayer £50,000 a year.
Cllr Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, says: “The new booking system is quick and easy to use, and residents will be able to book a visit on the same day or any time up to two weeks in advance.”
She goes on to explain: “The misuse of our sites costs the taxpayer, and, at a time when the council is facing increasing financial pressure, the money saved will help us protect services. As well as saving money, the new system will help us better manage queues at busy times and improve operations and safety.”
Around half the councils in England now operate a booking system including West Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. Feedback from these councils is reported to be largely positive.
There will be no change to what can be disposed of at the household waste recycling sites and no additional charges for East Sussex residents above the current charge for non-household waste: hardcore, soil, plasterboard and asbestos. Non-East Sussex residents can still book to use the sites subject to an out-of-county charge.
Unsurprisingly, local reactions to the booking system appear to be mostly unenthusiastic so far, given that, at last year’s public consultation on the booking scheme, only 9% of attendees were in favour. Cllr Dowling says: “I know there has been concern about the impact the booking system will have on incidents of fly-tipping, but neighbouring councils have reported no increase since introducing their systems.”
Some residents have complained that the new system has not been widely advertised, and one person was concerned that it involves too much planning ahead, with last-minute slots difficult to book at weekends. On the other hand, several posts report that the system is easy to use and that the Freshfields site has been less busy since bookings were introduced.
The quickest and easiest way to book is by going online, although those who need help to book can call 0345 6080194. For more information, go to eastsussex.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/booking-system-background
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Interesting to read the Privacy Notice on the ESCC website about the reasons data is collected when booking a slot at the recycling centre –
“How will your information be used?
This information is required for enforcement purposes. It is to ensure that you are not using our household waste recycling site to illegally dispose of commercial waste. This information may be used to contact you if we have concerns about how you are using our recycling sites.
Our sites are for the use of East Sussex residents. The booking system will enable us to identify bookings from outside the county. These users can still book to use a site but will be required to pay an out-of-county charge.
We aim to maintain high standards, adopt best practice for our record keeping and regularly check and report on how we are doing. Your information is never sold for direct marketing purposes.
Our staff are trained to handle your information correctly and protect your confidentiality and privacy.
Your information is processed in the UK or in a country with an adequacy agreement with the UK.”
https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/privacy/waste-site-booking-system#Tab3