The system will go live on Monday, March 23, and will apply to the Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury, and Sherborne sites.
Dorset Council said the change aims to reduce queues, improve efficiency, and prevent misuse of the facilities.
Entrance to Dorchester Household Recycling Centre. (Image: Dorset Council)
Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said: “We’ve listened to residents and designed a system that’s simple and fair.
“It improves the experience for Dorset households, ensures taxpayers aren’t covering waste disposal costs for neighbouring areas, and helps prevent business use of household sites.
“By reducing congestion and improving recycling efficiency, the system also supports a cleaner, greener Dorset.”
Each site currently receives around 380 visits per day.
The new system will offer 430 bookable slots daily per site, with a 30-minute arrival window.
Visitors will be able to make multiple bookings on the same day.
Dorset residents will not be charged, but non-residents will have to pay.
The council has assured residents that bookings will be quick and simple.
Same-day slots will be available, and those unable to book online can call the council to reserve a slot.
Bookings for the new system will open on Monday, March 16.