15/07/2026
Lincolnshire County Council's Executive has today approved a package of improvements designed to modernise Household Waste Recycling Centres across the county and improve the experience for residents.
The agreed measures include the introduction of a booking system across all 11 Household Waste Recycling Centres, alongside a programme of infrastructure improvements to help reduce queuing, improve safety, support higher recycling rates and ensure the service remains fit for the future. The recommendations follow a detailed review of the service, which found increasing visitor numbers, rising waste volumes and growing congestion at sites across the county.
Lincolnshire's HWRCs now receive around 1.2 million visits each year and process approximately 66,700 tonnes of household waste annually. Waste volumes have increased by almost 50% since 2021, placing significant pressure on the existing operating model.
The review also included feedback from more than 2,000 residents, with reducing queues, improving traffic management and creating a better customer experience identified as the biggest priorities.
The booking system will enable visits to be spread more evenly throughout the day, helping to reduce queues both on and off site, improve access to waste streams, support staff and customers, and provide better protection against misuse of the service by traders and non-Lincolnshire residents. It will also support improvements in recycling performance by allowing staff more time to assist residents with correctly separating recyclable materials.
Alongside the booking system, improvements will be made across the county's Household Waste Recycling Centres, including upgraded signage, improved layouts and investment in site infrastructure where required. These works will create a more consistent standard across the network and further improve the experience for residents.
Councillor Danny Brookes, Executive Councillor for Environment, said: "Today's decision is about making sure our Household Waste Recycling Centres continue to provide the best possible service for Lincolnshire residents, both now and in the future.
"As more people use our sites each year, we need to make sure they remain safe, efficient and easy to use. The improvements agreed today, including the introduction of a booking system, are designed to reduce queuing, make visits more straightforward and improve the overall experience for residents. They will also help us make the best use of our sites, reduce congestion and continue to support high levels of recycling and reuse.
"We understand that any change to a well-used public service will generate questions, and we want to reassure residents that nothing will change immediately. There will be a period of preparation before the new arrangements are introduced, with clear information, guidance and support available every step of the way so everyone knows what to expect."
Chris Yorston, Head of Waste, said: "These recommendations are about ensuring our Household Waste Recycling Centres continue to meet the needs of Lincolnshire residents for many years to come.
"By managing demand more effectively, we'll be able to reduce queues, improve safety, provide a better experience for residents and make the best possible use of public money while continuing to improve recycling performance."
The Council recognises that any change to how residents access Household Waste Recycling Centres represents a significant change and is committed to ensuring the process is as straightforward as possible.
Residents without internet access will be able to make bookings by telephone through the Council's Customer Service Centre, ensuring the service remains accessible to everyone. Same-day bookings will also be available where capacity allows.
Next steps
The booking system will not be introduced immediately.
The Council will now begin procuring the booking system and progressing the agreed infrastructure improvements.
A comprehensive communications and engagement programme will take place ahead of implementation, providing residents with plenty of notice, clear guidance on how the system will work, answers to frequently asked questions and opportunities to find out more before any changes come into effect.
Published: 14th July 2026
