York’s Conservative councillors have criticised this week’s announcement from York’s Labour Council that from Monday, 2nd March it is to introduce a pre-booked timeslot system at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) as the only way people can use it. The council says it is bringing in the change to reduce congestion and improve safety however the reality is Labour is simply focused purely on what is best and easiest for them rather than residents.
Reacting to the news, Conservative Group Leader Cllr Chris Steward said
Just a few years after Labour closed Beckfield Lane tip in Acomb, this is just another example of them making life harder for residents. People have busy lives and should be able to drop rubbish at the tip when it suits them in normal hours, rather than have all the effort of booking a time and even then good times for the person may still not be available. Of course this additional inconvenience of dropping things at the tip may mean less reputable people are more like likely to fly tip which will result in cots to clear it up.
As the change is happening, despite us not agreeing with it, set out below for your convenience are full details:
Under the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ approach, all visitors - including residents, registered traders, charities and landlords - will be required to book a visit in advance.
Visitors will be able to book their timeslot from Monday 23 February, and bookings will be available to book up to 2 weeks in advance.
Once booked, visitors will receive an email confirmation with an allocated time-slot to show on arrival. Anyone who has difficulty accessing the system online can book by phone on 01904 551551 and bring their confirmation number.
This change does not affect Strensall and Towthorpe HWRC or the walk-in recycling area at Hazel Court, which remain unchanged.
How to book:
· Online: Visit www.york.gov.uk/HazelCourtHWRC/book Book from Monday 23 February for slots starting on Monday 2 March 2026.
· By phone: If you have difficulty accessing the system online, call the council’s Customer Services team on 01904 551551, who will make a booking for you and provide a confirmation number to bring on the day.
