Politics & Council · Wiltshire-wide
A practical guide to Wiltshire Council's new recycling centre booking system
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published

Following the introduction of mandatory pre-booked slots for Wiltshire's household recycling centres, we outline the registration process and what residents can expect upon arrival.
Wiltshire Council has officially implemented a mandatory booking system for all household recycling centres across the county. The new measure requires residents to secure a time slot online before visiting any of the council-managed sites, including those in Devizes, Lower Compton, Melksham, Purton, Salisbury, and Stanton St Quintin.
For those preparing to use the service, the process begins on the official Wiltshire Council website. Residents are encouraged to use the dedicated portal, where they must sign in to or create a MyWilts account. The system requires users to provide basic personal information, including address and mobile contact details, alongside vehicle registration information.
During the booking flow, users will be prompted to confirm specific details about their vehicle to ensure the correct site allocation. This includes confirming if the vehicle is a hire car, a campervan, or if a trailer is being used. If you are using a trailer, you will need to confirm if it is less than 1.8 metres in length.
Once the registration details are submitted, the system provides a selection of available dates and times. Early feedback indicates that same-day slots are frequently available, allowing residents flexibility if they have garden waste or other household materials to dispose of at short notice. It is advisable, however, to check availability via the portal before setting off.
Upon arriving at the site, visitors should be prepared to be greeted by staff at the entrance. The experience at centres currently operating under the system has been reported as efficient, with dedicated signage and personnel on hand to verify bookings, often using mobile technology to check details at the gate. This new arrangement is intended to manage site traffic and reduce the need for extended queuing during peak periods.
While some residents have raised questions regarding the administrative cost and necessity of the system for smaller sites, the council maintains that the booking requirement is designed to improve the overall flow of traffic and the recycling experience. Residents are reminded to have their booking confirmation and vehicle details ready upon arrival to ensure a smooth transition through the site entrance.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original