Somerset residents who have traditionally used Dorset’s household waste recycling centres will now be required to pay fees and book their visits in advance. Dorset Council operates ten recycling centres across the county, including locations at Dorchester, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, and Wimborne, all of which now enforce this new policy.
The Sherborne site on West Mill Lane is a popular facility for Somerset residents from nearby villages such as Milborne Port, Templecombe, and Henstridge. However, starting Monday, March 23, these residents will face an £8.50 booking fee to access the centre, in addition to additional charges based on the type and volume of waste disposed.
Local resident John Turner from Milborne Port expressed concerns about the changes, highlighting the inconvenience and potential environmental impact. “The new charges raise serious concerns about practicality and fairness. It’s unreasonable to pay £8.50 just to dispose of small or low-value items like a nearly empty tin of paint or small quantities of wood or stone,” he said. Turner also noted that the nearest Somerset recycling sites—Castle Cary and Yeovil—are over 25 miles away, forcing residents to undertake longer journeys that could increase carbon emissions and fuel costs.
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A Dorset Council spokesperson clarified the policy: “Only Dorset Council residents can dispose of their DIY waste for free. Residents outside the Dorset Council area must use local authority facilities or pre-book and pay to use Dorset’s centres. This includes a non-refundable booking fee of £8.50 plus additional charges at the centre.”
Turner warned that these restrictions could lead to increased fly-tipping in rural Somerset, shifting the cleanup costs onto taxpayers. He argues that the policy undermines sustainability efforts by making recycling less accessible and more expensive. Turner suggests adopting a geographic-based solution, such as allowing free access for households within a six-mile radius of the Sherborne site regardless of council boundaries. This approach, he believes, would better reflect local needs, reduce unnecessary travel, and support environmental goals.
Without adjustments to the policy, Somerset residents face longer trips, higher costs, and increased emissions in their efforts to dispose of waste responsibly.