Residents taking stuff to the main York tip will soon need to book a slot online.
City of York Council is introducing a pre‑booked timeslot system at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre.
The new system comes in from Monday 2 March, to help reduce congestion, improve safety and provide a better experience for both residents and users of the tip.
It follows complaints about traffic congestion and even gridlock on James Street as people queue to use Hazel Court.
The problem has been going on for several years.
Under the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ approach, all visitors 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 two weeks before a visit.
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.
Head of environmental services at City of York Council Ian Hoult said: “We’re introducing bookings at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre to make visits faster, safer and more predictable, especially at busier times.
“From Monday 2 March, please don’t travel to Hazel Court by car if you’ve not already booked a slot.
“By spreading demand into clear timeslots, we can reduce queues on surrounding roads and improve the experience for everyone using the site.”
Key details
- Booking required for Hazel Court only. This change does not affect Strensall and Towthorpe HWRC or the walk‑in recycling area at Hazel Court, which remain unchanged.
- Residents and registered traders/charities/landlords must book a time‑slot before travelling to Hazel Court. Dedicated bays will be available for residents and for registered traders/charities.
- Bring your booking confirmation (email or phone reference) when you visit. Site staff will check your booking on arrival and are on hand to help you sort materials into the right skips.
How to book:
- Online: Visit the booking portal from Monday 23 February for slots starting on Monday 2 March.
- 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.
The use of Hazel Court HWRC has risen significantly in recent years, contributing to queues and wider traffic impacts around James Street and nearby businesses and services.
Booking will help manage peak demand, improve road safety, and maintain recycling service quality, the council says.
