A booking system will be trialled for all vehicles at Essex recycling centres.
This is to help manage waiting times, reduce congestion, and improve the customer experience. The new booking system will come into place from Monday 13 March.
The booking process has already been trialled for all vehicles using Rayleigh Recycling Centre, and also for large vehicles using the nine van-friendly sites.
Both trials have been effective in smoothing the pattern of demand across operating hours and reducing queues and congestion both in and around the sites.
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, ECC Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “The booking system trials at both Rayleigh Recycling Centre and the van-friendly sites have been well-received by residents.
“The sites have been less congested, and we’ve been able to reduce the misuse of sites by vehicles carrying commercial waste.
“Residents will continue to be encouraged to switch off their engines when waiting to access the recycling centres.
“We will monitor the trial to measure its success and can make amendments as necessary.”
Site users visiting by foot do not need to book a slot.
Blue Badge holders do not need to book a slot and can visit any recycling centre in any vehicle, including vans at any ECC recycling centre.
Find out more about the booking system trial at the Love Essex website.