Residents in Thetford will need to book ahead for recycling centre visits in Telford Way

Residents have been told they will have to book in advance to use a recycling centre starting from November.

People in Thetford wishing to visit the recycling centre in Telford Way must book in advance from Monday, November 18, following changes to the seven recycling centres in Norfolk.

Bookings can be made up to seven days ahead either online via the council’s website or by phoning the customer service centre and the new booking system going live from Monday, November 11.

Cllr James Bensly, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “Booking systems are widely used across the country, including by our neighbouring counties Suffolk and Essex.

“The booking system will offer many benefits including reduced congestion and improved waiting times.

“Our site staff will have more time to help customers who need assistance which makes for a better customer experience all round.

“The changes to the trade waste service mean we can continue to provide a convenient way for small businesses to dispose of small amounts of trade waste in Norfolk, whilst covering the costs of disposal.”

Slots are available every 15 minutes and people can make a booking or cancel one right up until the time of the booking.

Residents will be asked to give their vehicle registration when they book up and business and trade waste customers will be asked to provide their waste carriers licence number.

All visitors — including those arriving on foot or by bicycle — must book up to drop off waste at the recycling centre.

However, no booking is required to visit the Re-use Shop but if waste disposal is also planned during the same visit, booking is necessary.

In addition to the booking system, trade customers will also see a change to the way they pay to dispose of their waste with businesses being charged based on the size of vehicle and the type of waste they bring, instead of the number of bags.

Norfolk County Council has said these changes are to make sure that the costs of disposal of trade waste are fully covered and to provide a fair and consistent price for traders based on the volume and type of waste in each vehicle.