Household Waste Recycling Centres

Lincolnshire Household Waste Recycling Centres

Household Waste Recycling Centres – Q&As

What has been agreed?

The Executive has approved the introduction of a booking system at all 11 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), alongside a programme of infrastructure improvements across the county's sites.
 

Why has this decision been made?

Lincolnshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres are experiencing increasing pressure.

The service now receives approximately:

  • 1.2 million visits every year
  • 66,700 tonnes of waste annually

Waste volumes have increased by almost 50% since 2021, leading to increased queuing, congestion and operational challenges.

 

What problems is this trying to solve?

The improvements aim to:

  • Reduce queuing
  • Improve traffic management
  • Improve customer safety
  • Improve staff safety
  • Reduce disruption to neighbouring roads
  • Reduce misuse by traders and non-Lincolnshire residents
  • Improve recycling performance
  • Improve the overall customer experience

 

Has the booking system started?

No. Nothing changes today.

The Executive's decision allows officers to begin procurement and implementation planning.

Residents will be told well in advance before any changes are introduced.

 

When will the booking system begin?

A date has not yet been confirmed.

The Council will:

  • procure the system
  • test it
  • communicate with residents
  • provide guidance and FAQs
  • announce the launch date

before implementation.

 

Will every Household Waste Recycling Centre use the booking system?

Yes. The approved proposal is for all 11 Lincolnshire Household Waste Recycling Centres.

 

Why introduce a booking system at quieter sites?

A countywide approach creates a consistent experience for residents while providing:

  • better monitoring
  • improved planning
  • improved data
  • easier management across the network

Residents will also be able to choose quieter sites where appropriate.

 

Will residents still be able to visit on the same day?

Yes. Where capacity allows, residents will be able to make same-day bookings.

 

What if someone doesn't use the internet?

Residents without internet access will be able to make bookings by telephone through the Customer Service Centre.

This ensures everyone can continue to access the service.

 

Will this increase fly-tipping?

There is no evidence that booking systems increase fly-tipping.

A DEFRA review found no link between Household Waste Recycling Centre booking systems and increased fly-tipping.

 

Why not simply extend opening hours?

This option was considered during the review. The assessment concluded it would:

  • cost around £1.5 million more each year
  • not solve peak-time congestion
  • still allow unrestricted demand at busy times

 

Why not build another recycling centre?

The current network already meets the Council's policy of providing a Household Waste Recycling Centre within 12 miles for at least 95% of Lincolnshire residents.

The review concluded that improving how existing sites operate would deliver greater benefits.

 

What improvements will residents notice?

Alongside the booking system there will be investment across the HWRC network, including:

  • improved signage
  • site layout improvements
  • improved welfare facilities where required
  • new compaction equipment at some sites
  • resurfacing and drainage improvements
  • gatehouse improvements

These improvements will provide a more consistent customer experience across the county.

 

What happens next?

The Council will now:

  • procure the booking system
  • begin planning infrastructure improvements
  • develop detailed guidance
  • launch a communications campaign
  • provide residents with plenty of notice before implementation.

 

Key Facts

Household Waste Recycling Centre Improvements - Why change?

The current service is under increasing pressure.

Current service

  • 11 Household Waste Recycling Centres
  • Around 1.2 million visits every year
  • Around 66,700 tonnes of waste managed annually
  • Waste volumes have increased by 49.5% since 2021
  • Annual operating cost of approximately £7.7 million
  • Accounts for around 30% of the Waste Service budget

 

Residents told us…

More than 2,000 residents took part in the review.

The biggest priorities were:

  • Reducing queues
  • Better traffic management
  • More unloading space
  • Better signage
  • More reuse opportunities

 

Executive has agreed…

  • A booking system for all 11 HWRCs
  • Infrastructure improvements across the network
  • Improved signage
  • Better traffic management
  • Investment in ageing sites
  • Improvements to help increase recycling

 

Expected benefits

The improvements are expected to:

  • Reduce queuing
  • Reduce congestion
  • Improve customer experience
  • Improve staff safety
  • Improve site safety
  • Improve recycling performance
  • Reduce commercial misuse
  • Reduce disruption on surrounding roads
  • Improve access to waste streams

 

Important points

Nothing changes today.

The booking system is not live.

Residents will receive plenty of notice before implementation.

 

Accessibility

Residents without internet access will be able to book by telephone through the Customer Service Centre.

Same-day bookings will also be available where capacity allows.

 

Did you know?

Around half of councils in England already operate booking systems at their Household Waste Recycling Centres. The review found these systems can help reduce congestion, improve recycling performance and provide better operational management.

 

Key message for residents

This is about improving the service - not restricting access.

The aim is to make visits quicker, safer and more convenient by reducing queues, improving traffic management and ensuring Household Waste Recycling Centres continue to meet the needs of Lincolnshire residents for years to come.