A booking system is set to be reintroduced at the tip in Southampton as it becomes free to dispose of household waste.

Since December 2021, residents have been able to turn up at the City Depot Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) in First Avenue, Southampton, and dispose of their rubbish.

But now, Southampton City Council has announced that it is bringing back a booking system once it becomes free to dump household rubbish, meaning people will have to plan their trips in advance.

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The reason for this change is that a few years ago, the Government launched a consultation to see whether the disposal of household DIY waste should be made free of charge.

As a result, in December 2021, the booking system at the City Depot dump was taken away as a temporary trial ahead of the outcome of this consultation.

Once this concluded, earlier this year the Government then passed legislation which meant that the disposal of household DIY waste at all HWRCs must be free of charge, subject to certain conditions.

So from January 2, Southampton residents will be able to dispose of DIY waste free of charge at the city depot.

However, this will be subject to certain restrictions.

The council said: "To help us manage that process and for the site at City Depot to have a smooth and effortless running experience for residents, it is necessary for us to re-introduce the booking system.

"We also have a responsibility to control costs surrounding these changes, as well as manage traffic and eliminate traffic queues.

"The changes also fall into line with all other HWRCs in Hampshire, where booking systems have been successful.

"We have found no link between booking systems being in place at HWRCs and increases in fly-tipping/illegal dumping of waste."