Hampshire County Council has confirmed that residents wanting to book spots at Household Waste Recycling Centres must now use either the OurHants app or the online platform.
This change is part of the council’s “digital first” initiative, aimed at making the booking process quicker and more convenient for the majority of residents who can access the internet via their devices or mobile phones.
It applies to facilities in Southampton and Portsmouth as well.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Residents booking visits to Hampshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) now need to use the OurHants app or book online.
“From this month (October), telephone booking is no longer available.
“This move supports our ‘digital first’ approach, which helps most residents book quickly and easily using their digital devices or mobile phones.”
However, the council is aware that not everyone has access to the necessary digital resources or may require assistance with the new system.
To cater to these people, libraries throughout the county will provide free computer access and have staff on hand to help residents make their bookings.
The council spokesperson explained: “However, we know that some people may need extra support.
“That’s why our libraries offer free access to computers and friendly staff who can help residents get online and make a booking.
“If someone doesn’t have a family member, trusted friend or neighbour to assist, we encourage them to visit their local library where help is available to get online and make a booking.”
Hampshire County Council decided to eliminate telephone bookings and payments due to concerns about the effectiveness and speed of responses in the current system, as well as the high cost of maintaining the service.
As previously reported in the Echo, the council awarded a four-year contract worth £200,000 to Pentagull to develop the new system.
The new digital service will also issue permits for vans and trailers, replacing the existing printed versions.
Portsmouth and Southampton city councils, which share HWRC services with Hampshire, are expected to contribute approximately 10 per cent of the system’s costs.