More than 2,000 people visit tips during first week of them reopening in Milton Keynes

The council took more than 2,000 bookings last week for the city's three Household Waste Recycling Centres.

People were asked to book before they visited, and the council had to triple the number of workers answering calls and extend its customer service opening hours to seven days a week to answer as many calls as possible.

From next week they will launch an online booking facility as well as the telephone system.

Cabinet member for the Public Realm, Councillor Emily Darlington said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their patience in booking a slot for our sites. We know wait times are high but it’s safer to wait on the phone rather than at a crowded centre.”

“We’ve seen what happens when other areas have opened their tips without an appointment system or are reliant on an online booking system which have resulted in queues onto main roads, wait times of over two hours and booking systems that have collapsed."

"We wanted to ensure a safer and better experience in Milton Keynes. We have no queues at our sites, and social distancing has been maintained since day one.”

The tips are open seven days a week for pre-booked MK residents, with 400 15 minute slots made available for each day. Newport Pagnell and Bleak Hall sites are open from 8am to 6pm, and New Bradwell from 7am to 7pm.

Some residents are turning up without an appointment but without prior booking and a message of confirmation, either printed or on a phone) they are being turned away.

The council is sharing regular updates on its social media channels about how far ahead bookings are being taken. Currently the Bleak Hall site is fully booked until May 25 and the other two sites have some availability this weekend (23/24 May).

Residents are asked to book only if the visit is essential to drop off waste that cannot be stored at home safely.

To book a slot call 01908 252811.