York's Hazel Court Waste Recycling Centre Trial Receives Positive Feedback After Three Months

A new booking system trial at the Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in York has received positive feedback from residents after three months of operation. The City of York Council launched this trial to help manage the volume of visitors and reduce long queues, and it appears to be working well so far.

Positive Feedback From Residents

The early results from the trial, which began in March 2026, indicate that the majority of users are satisfied with the new system. According to the feedback collected from several hundred residents, the statistics show:

• 86% of users are satisfied with the overall booking experience, with 71% very satisfied and 15% fairly satisfied.

• An even higher 92% satisfaction rate for the on-site visit itself, with 82% very satisfied and 10% fairly satisfied.

• More than 8 in 10 residents (83%) reported spending less time waiting to enter the site compared to previous visits.

This positive response suggests that the booking system is effectively reducing wait times and making the recycling process smoother for everyone involved.

Benefits of the Booking System

The booking system has been designed to help manage peak times at the Hazel Court facility, which can often become congested, especially during weekends and holidays. By allowing residents to book their visits in advance, the council aims to keep traffic flowing and reduce the stress of long waiting periods. Cllr Jenny Kent, the Executive Member for Environment, commented on the trial's success, saying, “It’s great to see that a significant majority of residents using the booking system are reporting shorter waits and positive experiences on site.” This system not only benefits residents but also helps the council manage the overall traffic around Hazel Court more effectively.

Continuing Improvements

While the feedback has been largely positive, the council is aware that there is always room for improvement. Ian Hoult, Head of Environmental Services at City of York Council, stated, “We recognise that the booking system itself needs to be as simple, flexible, and accessible as possible, and we are continuing to refine it based on feedback.” Some of the changes already made in response to user feedback include: - Bringing available booking slots earlier into the online booking process. - Introducing additional accessibility measures at the site to ensure everyone can utilise the service. These adjustments aim to enhance the experience for all visitors and ensure that the system works well for everyone, including those with special requirements.

Monitoring and Future Plans

The booking system trial is set to run for a total of 12 months, during which the council will continue to monitor various factors, including:

• Usage levels and waste volumes.

• Queueing and traffic patterns.

• Resident and business feedback.

• Accessibility and inclusion.

This data will be crucial for understanding the long-term impact of the booking system and determining whether it should be made permanent. To date, there has been no significant increase in visits to the nearby Towthorpe HWRC, which continues to operate without a booking system. However, the council is keen to ensure that Hazel Court remains accessible and efficient for all users.

Community Voices

Local businesses have also noted the positive effects of the new booking system. Tom Gotts, Managing Director of the Rothwell Group York, shared his experience, stating:

“The introduction of the booking system has drastically improved the experience around Hazel Court. It has saved my business hours of time sat in queues, and the booking system makes much more sense for all businesses operating around the area. We’d like to see it made permanent.”

This sentiment highlights the importance of the booking system not just for residents but also for local businesses that rely on quick access to waste disposal services.

Your Feedback Matters

Residents are encouraged to continue providing feedback when visiting Hazel Court HWRC or making a booking. This input will play a vital role in shaping the service throughout the trial period. As the trial progresses, the council will keep the public informed about any developments and potential changes based on the feedback received. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the recycling facilities in York work efficiently for everyone, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the community.