A new booking system is due to be trialled at Newquay’s household waste recycling centre following concerns the facility is becoming too dangerous due to the length of its queues.
Cornwall Council is launching the booking system trial for the facility in Trevenson Road on Monday, September 9.
More than 50 cars are regularly at a standstill outside the waste and recycling centre, which has resulted in many motorists attempting to overtake causing several nearer misses with oncoming traffic.
The previous Newquay Inspector Guy Blackford held a meeting with Cornwall Council to see if there are any measures the unitary authority could be introduced to alleviate the traffic issues after receiving complaints about the situation.
Some motorists have had to wait for more than half an hour in the queue to enter the waste and recycling centre, which is due to be relocated to the Newquay Strategic Route opposite Hendra Holiday Park as early as 2025.
Victoria Parker, the assistant integrated waste management contract team leader at Cornwall Council, said: “The Newquay household waste recycling site receives a high number of visitors, and during peak times this causes increased queuing and congestion on the highway outside of the sites.
“During these busy periods, members of the public experience long waits before they are able to access site to dispose of their rubbish and recycling.
“In response to this we have been looking to find the best solution to manage this issue, reduce queues at peak times and improve the customer experience.
“We have looked to see how similar issues have been addressed at recycling centres around the country, and reflecting on these experiences and best practice, we are currently developing a booking system, which will be piloted at the Newquay household waste recycling centre.”
Councillor Carol Mould, the portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “We know it’s frustrating when there are queues at the household waste recycling centres.
“We’ve developed a booking system to reduce waiting times and queues, help keep road users safe and minimise disruption to residents and businesses.”
“It’s quick and easy to book online or over the phone.
“Please sort your items into different materials before you arrive. This means we can recycle more and will save you time when you arrive at the sites.”
How to book a slot
You can book a 30-minute slot on the Cornwall Council website or by calling 0300 1234 141.
You can book for the same day, if there are spaces available, or up to a week in advance. Once you’ve booked your slot, you’ll receive an email confirming your booking.
Make sure you arrive in the vehicle you booked for and remember you need a vehicle permit to enter the sites for certain vehicles, such as vans or pick-up trucks. You can check what vehicles need a permit to visit the HWRCs on the Cornwall Council website.
You cannot use the HWRCs to dispose of any trade or commercial waste.