You will now need to book in advance before visiting four more of Cornwall's household waste and recycling centres. 

Cornwall Council says the booking system is designed to reduce waiting times and improve road safety at the centres (HWRCs).

It said a trial introduced at Newquay, Saltash and St Erth HWRCs had been successful, and that as a result the booking system trial is being extended to the recycling centres in Bude, Launceston, St Austell and Bodmin (Lanivet).

Members of the public will be asked to book in advance before visiting Bude and Launceston HWRCs from November 29.

The booking system will be introduced at St Austell and Bodmin (Lanivet) HWRCs from December 9.

It means seven out of Cornwall's 14 centres now has a booking system. Those that do not currently are Dudnance Lane (Pool), Helston,  Truro, United Mines, Falmouth, Connon Bridge and Tintagel. 

In addition, as of December 1, upholstered furniture such as sofas will no longer be accepted at five of the Duchy's centres. See below for more details. 

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Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “It’s quick and easy to book a slot and residents can select a time that works for them. More than 50,000 bookings have been made since we started the trial at Newquay, Saltash and St Erth, and more than half of those bookings were made on the day.

“The feedback we have received from people who have booked slots has been overwhelmingly positive. The booking system has dramatically reduced queues and waiting times, and improved road safety.

“We have seen such a positive impact that we have decided to extend the trial to four more HWRCs.”

How to book a slot

You can book a 30-minute slot on the Cornwall Council website. If you have a question or can’t get online, call 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.

Changes to what you can now take

Following changes in Environment Agency Regulations, from December 1, upholstered furniture items such as sofas, futons, and sofa cushions can no longer be accepted at the following sites: Bude, Dudnance Lane (Pool), Helston, Newquay and Truro. 

Upholstered furniture will still be accepted at St Erth, United Mines, Falmouth, St Austell, Connon Bridge, Bodmin, Saltash, Tintagel and Launceston. 

Commercial waste

It is illegal to dispose of any trade or commercial waste at the HWRCs. Advice for businesses on commercial waste and the law is available on the Cornwall Council website.