The booking system for residents using the Household Waste Recycling Centres has been so successful it’s being made permanent following a decision by The Transport and Environment Committee today.
The system was implemented in May 2020 due to the Covid pandemic to allow the sites to reopen safely. It required residents to book visits so that demand could be managed, and physical distancing maintained.
The new system has been very successful reducing queuing times and it has also led to very positive feedback from customers and staff.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes Environment Convener said:
We’re keeping the booking system on a permanent basis as it’s clear it’s very popular with staff and customers.
The system really works as we can make sure it’s only Edinburgh residents who use it. It reduces queuing times and we can stop the sites from becoming over crowded making trips to the centre more relaxed for residents as well as improving working conditions for our staff.
Councillor Karen Doran Environment Vice-Convener said:
We originally brought in the new booking system to keep our staff, and residents using the centres, safe.
We’ve been delighted by how successful it’s been. After everyone got used to how it worked, we started receiving very positive feedback from customers and it became clear it significantly reduces queuing times for people using the centres. Staff have also reported a calmer and greatly improved working environment, which is very encouraging to hear.