EXASPERATED people have hit out at new rules for booking appointments at recycling centres, which they say make it nearly impossible to get a slot.

Households all over Wiltshire are angry that under coronavirus rules it is no longer possible to just turn up at the tip on the Hopton Industrial Estate, Devizes, and other centres around the county, as appointments have to be made in advance.

Slots are available at 15-minute intervals but most people complete their visit much more quickly and time is wasted.

Many Devizes people have spoken out on Facebook to complain. Viki Kelly said: “I’ve just tried to book a slot at the recycling centre in Devizes and they don’t have a free slot until the August 31, so I looked on all the other centres and it’s the same. However when I drove past the Devizes one yesterday there was no-one there or queuing, why are they still operating this system.

“It’s ridiculous, Our bins are full and don’t get collected again until next week I wouldn’t ever do it but it’s no wonder why people are fly-tipping.”

Others who had suffered similar problems were quick to join in the discussion. Linda Edwards said: “It took me three weeks to get a slot.”

Some suggested using private waste firms but this angered Margaret Boardman who said: “We already pay council tax which includes the use of the recycling centre so why should we have to pay privately as well.”

Hillary Maya said: “If they want to keep using this system then they need to open seven days a week. Also as I understand there are only certain items that can be taken. This also needs to change.”

Cases of fly-tipping have also been on the increase in the Wiltshire countryside since lockdown began and the recycling centres had to close for months.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for waste said: “The online booking system to access our household recycling centres was introduced on June 8 and has allowed us to fully reopen all sites during normal operating hours. The booking system replaced the pervious postcode system which, due to exceptional demand, resulted in significant traffic queues, often up to several hours.

“This meant that opening hours had to be limited at some sites to accommodate the queues and reduce the impact on neighbouring businesses that were also reopening. Our HRC at Stanton St Quintin also could not reopen due to concerns over queues on the highway. Traffic marshals were also needed to manage the queues at a significant and unsustainable cost to the council.

“The online booking system provides around 10,000 slots across all 10 sites each week. New slots are added to the system each day, with residents currently able to book a slot up to seven days in advance.

“The restriction on the number of people that can visit a site per car has been lifted, making it easier for people.”