A successful scheme which allows people to book a slot to visit a Recycling Centre is being extended by West Sussex County Council.

The Book to Recycle system is already in place at Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Shoreham-By-Sea, and Worthing.

It will now be extended to Billingshurst, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Midhurst, and Chichester Recycling Centres from February next year. Until then these sites can continue to be visited without making a booking.

Cllr Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “There are a number of advantages to the Book to Recycle scheme.

“Ensuring a steady flow of customers at our centres means residents have more time to select the correct recycling container and staff have more time to offer recycling advice and assistance. This means materials can often be diverted from residual waste to more efficient recycling routes.

“This not only helps us to increase recycling – one of our key targets in Our Council Plan – but will also save money by reducing disposal costs.

“An added benefit is that people can avoid the inconvenience of having to queue at peak times.”

Since the Book to Recycle scheme was introduced in 2021 over 1.8 million visits have been booked via the system.

A recent customer satisfaction survey found that 96 per cent of those asked thought the system was either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. In addition, 98 per cent of customers strongly agreed or agreed that booking slots were available when they wanted them.

Deborah added: “We know the system works well and we have seen the improvements and benefits it has brought to the six sites currently running it.

“Booking a slot is quick and easy and can be done on a smart phone or computer on the same day you wish to visit, or up to 14 days in advance if you prefer. If people can’t get online, they can call our contact centre and we will book a slot for you.”

More information about the scheme can be found by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/BookToRecycle.

Find out when your local Recycling Centre is open at www.westsussex.gov.uk/rc.