Successful start for recycling centres’ new booking system

28 November 2025

A new booking system at West Northamptonshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) has cut queues and received more than 21,000 visits in its first few weeks of operating.

Launched across the six centres on 3 November, the new scheme is also helping to improve access for West Northants residents, ensuring traders or residents from outside of the area are charged appropriately to help meet the costs of disposing their waste.

With plenty of appointments available and people able to book as little as 30-minutes before they arrive, two-thirds of visits so far have been made on the same day the appointment was made.

Since its introduction, the Council has received predominantly positive feedback from users commenting how easy the booking system is to use, the availability of slots on the same day and how it has helped to reduce waiting times into the HWRC, as well as acknowledging helpful staff on hand.

This month also saw the successful launch of the new Reuse Shop operated by Cynthia Spencer Hospice at Sixfields HWRC. People do not need to book  to visit either this shop or the one based at Farthinghoe Recycling and Reuse Centre.

“It is really encouraging to see the new booking system is working effectively by reducing queues for our residents and making it easier to access our centres. We’ve been really pleased by the positive feedback directly from residents using the sites.

“I understand the new arrangements may take a bit of time for some people to get used to, but we know West Northants residents are great at adapting to changes and we appreciate and thank them for their support. I hope those that have used the HWRCs since these changes can see the benefits to this new system, especially as we come up to a historically busy time in-between the Christmas and New Year period. “Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council

Appointments for the HWRCs can be booked quickly and easily up to two-weeks in advance. Those unable to access the internet can book by phone on 0300 126 7000.

Residents from outside of West Northants and traders wishing to use a HWRC can pay to use the small trade waste service at the Sixfields and Ecton Lane centres if they wish. For more information, visit Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).