Booking system to launch at recycling centres

An online booking system is being introduced by a council at three of its recycling centres.

North Somerset Council said 15-minute slots will come into effect at its site in Weston-super-Mare from Monday, 2 February and at Portishead and Backwell on Monday, 2 March.

The new system is being introduced in a bid to reduce queues and increase efficiency.

The council said bookings can be made up to two weeks ahead of a visit or as "little as 10 minutes before a slot starts" if space is available.

The scheme was due to start last autumn, but the council decided to delay the introduction "because of the significant changes to the recycling and waste service" in 2025.

The new system aims to simplify vehicle permits and manage commercial and DIY waste correctly.

The change also brings North Somerset in line with neighbouring authorities and forms part of wider efforts to improve services.

The authority recently moved to three-weekly black bin rubbish collections to encourage recycling and cut costs.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.