Residents urged not to miss their tip slot at Hampshire's household waste recycling centres

Hampshire County Council reported it was normal to have 60 non-attendees on a weekend day at the authority’s larger tips.

The council introduced the measure following ‘severe’ traffic congestion seen at many HWRCs since they reopened with social distancing measures on May 11.

Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader and member for environment said: ‘On a typical Saturday or Sunday, we have seen up to 60 no-shows at the bigger sites which means, of course, that’s 60 people in that area who could have used that slot.

With the August bank holiday coming up, when HWRCs are often busier, I’d ask people to make sure they only book a slot at their local HWRC if they intend to use it.

‘We are still operating at reduced capacity in order to keep safe social distancing measures in place for staff and residents, so I would ask people to only book slots they need so that there are enough to go round.

‘It’s easy to cancel a booking if you change your mind or can’t make a slot after all – and as long as this is done the day before, the slot can be allocated to someone else in your community who needs it. Please don’t let your waste slot go to waste.’

Booking slots are available seven days in advance at each of Hampshire’s 24 HWRCs.

Bookings can be made online at www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres/book-appointment or, for those without internet access, by phone on 023 8017 9949, between Monday and Friday 9am to 5.30pm

People wishing to cancel or amend a booking can do so via the link received on the confirmation email.