Further information

More detail about our booking system and why we have it.

You should find all the information you need about booking and attending slots on our book a slot at a Recycling Centre page. We also have some special circumstances information below.

If you have a query that we haven't answered, use the enquiries section on the page to phone our Customer Service Centre and ask.

Below you can find more information about why we introduced the booking system, the benefits it provides and details to address concerns.

Special circumstances

Sometimes you may need to dispose of large amounts of waste. If this is the case, you should use services such as:

  • skip hire
  • house clearance
  • other waste removal services

If you are dealing with the death of a loved one, you can contact us. We rarely make exceptions to our rules. However, we might if you will find it very difficult to to use the services above. Our advisors will ask for details.

Booking system trial, consultation and introduction

We initially trialled the booking system in 2021 limiting users of some Recycling Centres to 1 visit per month. Users had to book their visit at least a day in advance. As a result of feedback, we were able to review the scheme and increase the number of visits from 1 to 4 per month, then eventually to 5. Later in the trial, we were also able to provide same day bookings.

We carried out a public consultation in late 2021 using the online consultation portal and paper copies available from public libraries. The consultation showed us that 68% of residents either strongly agreed or agreed that the booking system should stay in place.

Since we introduced 'on the day' booking, the system is popular with residents and well used. A customer satisfaction survey found that 96% of respondents thought that the system was either 'excellent' or 'good'.

Benefits of the system

There are a number of benefits to the booking system.

Spreading demand

Prior to the booking system, our Recycling Centres often experienced extreme peaks in demand. At some centres, this meant long queues affecting surrounding roads. This often happened when people arrived at centres before their opening times waiting to get in. It seriously affected nearby residents, businesses and commuters travelling through the area.

Introducing the booking system enabled us to spread out the numbers of people visiting. This reduced or eliminated queues. It improved the quality of life for residents, enabled businesses to carry out their activities and commuters to journey without delay.

Greater efficiency

We also saw that the Recycling Centres operating the scheme were able to increase their efficiency and send more materials to recycling. This is because staff are better able to help recycling centre users to ensure items are disposed of in the correct area, rather than in the general waste.

Some residents also make use of other forms of waste disposal such as home composting, reuse, or getting a skip for larger works at home.

This is of benefit because:

  • greater efficiency helps to lower the cost of disposal, saving taxpayers' money
  • more waste going to recycling or other forms of waste disposal is better for the environment

Stopping illegal use of centres

The scheme helps us prevent illegal deposits of commercial waste at recycling centres. This saves tax payers' money.

Extending the booking system

In December 2023, the council took a key decision. This meant that we extended the booking system covering some Recycling Centres to all centres in the county.

We identified that this had the potential to save the council £200,000 per year. This is due to the efficiencies we observed during the trials. The county council must set a balanced budget each year and cost savings are an essential part of this.

Operating the booking system across all centres enables residents across the county to experience all the benefits described above. It also provides a consistent approach, so residents know what they need to do to visit any of our centres.

Addressing concerns

Access to Recycling Centres

Some residents express concern that the need to book appointments limits access to Recycling Centres.

Of course, times may occur when you can't book the slot you want or there may not be an 'on the day' slot available due to demand. We appreciate that this is an inconvenience. However, spreading the demand provides great benefits to the community and all centre users. The majority of people who use the booking system like it.

You can help by planning your visits in advance and cancelling appointments you no longer require to free up space for others.

Illegal waste disposal

Residents sometimes express concern that the Book to Recycle scheme and changes to opening hours at recycling centres may cause additional illegal waste disposal. 

Fly tipping

The number of fly tipping incidents in West Sussex has reduced since we introduced the booking system.

We work with Sussex Police, the Environment Agency, the National Farmers' Union and others to help prevent fly tipping. We also work with district and borough councils to monitor and manage instances. Find more information in our Let's SCRAP Fly Tipping campaign.

If you have information relating to a fly tip, contact your district or borough council.

Burning waste

Using a bonfire to dispose of household waste is illegal. You should report this.

We encourage garden waste composting and offer subsidised composters. Residents can also arrange for garden waste collections.