As of Monday (November 24), East Sussex County Council will require residents to book in advance before visiting any of its 10 household waste recycling sites.
The scheme aims to reduce misuse by commercial operators and out-of-county visitors and is expected to save taxpayers £50,000 a year.
Similar schemes are already in place in areas including West Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire, with many readers sharing how they felt the change had made a positive impact to these sites.
Brett Rawson wrote: “I was very sceptical at first when it was introduced in West Sussex. Works very well, ensures you can just drive in.
“Online booking takes couple of minutes, can also phone if you don’t use a computer. Far better than queuing up like before.”
Barrie Crabb agreed, writing: “We’ve had this system in West Sussex for a few years now, and it’s been a game-changer – no more wasted time waiting in queues!”
Andrew Kaa added: “Hampshire has made that move, at first I was objectional, but in fact it has actually improved it. “No longer are there queues going round the block!”
However, others raised concerns about the system encouraging fly-tipping.
Henry Harris was among those who shared their apprehension about the decision.
He wrote: “Fly tipping in England is getting worse! if it’s just a pile out of waste out of a van or a huge scale criminal gang one dumping site!
“It’s only going to get worse and worse with the way the government keep paying off the cost of clearing up illegally dumped waste or keep charging people more and more to dispose of waste!”
Jeanette Ellis added: “And they wonder why fly-tipping is on the increase. Crazy.”
The council have said that no link had been found between the introduction of booking systems and flying tipping.
Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, explained: “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.
“In 2023, work carried out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) found no link between the introduction of booking systems and fly-tipping, which is a criminal offence and can result in an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.”
The new system will not affect what can be disposed of at the sites, and there are no extra charges for East Sussex residents beyond the existing fees for non-household waste such as hardcore, soil, plasterboard and asbestos.
Non-East Sussex residents can still book to use the sites, but will be subject to an out-of-county charge.
Residents arriving at waste recycling sites will be asked for their booking confirmation and proof they live in the county with identification such as a photocard driving licence or Council Tax bill.
Bookings can be made online or by calling 0345 60 80 194.
As of Monday (November 24), East Sussex County Council will require residents to book in advance before visiting any of its 10 household waste recycling sites.
The scheme aims to reduce misuse by commercial operators and out-of-county visitors and is expected to save taxpayers £50,000 a year.
Similar schemes are already in place in areas including West Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire, with many readers sharing how they felt the change had made a positive impact to these sites.
Brett Rawson wrote: “I was very sceptical at first when it was introduced in West Sussex. Works very well, ensures you can just drive in.
“Online booking takes couple of minutes, can also phone if you don’t use a computer. Far better than queuing up like before.”
Barrie Crabb agreed, writing: “We’ve had this system in West Sussex for a few years now, and it’s been a game-changer – no more wasted time waiting in queues!”
Andrew Kaa added: “Hampshire has made that move, at first I was objectional, but in fact it has actually improved it. “No longer are there queues going round the block!”
However, others raised concerns about the system encouraging fly-tipping.
Henry Harris was among those who shared their apprehension about the decision.
He wrote: “Fly tipping in England is getting worse! if it’s just a pile out of waste out of a van or a huge scale criminal gang one dumping site!
“It’s only going to get worse and worse with the way the government keep paying off the cost of clearing up illegally dumped waste or keep charging people more and more to dispose of waste!”
Jeanette Ellis added: “And they wonder why fly-tipping is on the increase. Crazy.”
The council have said that no link had been found between the introduction of booking systems and flying tipping.
Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, explained: “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.
“In 2023, work carried out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) found no link between the introduction of booking systems and fly-tipping, which is a criminal offence and can result in an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.”
The new system will not affect what can be disposed of at the sites, and there are no extra charges for East Sussex residents beyond the existing fees for non-household waste such as hardcore, soil, plasterboard and asbestos.
Non-East Sussex residents can still book to use the sites, but will be subject to an out-of-county charge.
Residents arriving at waste recycling sites will be asked for their booking confirmation and proof they live in the county with identification such as a photocard driving licence or Council Tax bill.
Bookings can be made online or by calling 0345 60 80 194.
For more info, check our website.
