A motion calling for a halt to a controversial change to recycling centres in Powys has been submitted to the county council.

The motion, put forward by Powys Conservatives Cllr Amanda Jenner (Trelystan and Trewern) and group leader Cllr Aled Davies (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and Llansilin), seeks to halt the introduction of a new booking system at the county’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs).

Under the proposed system, residents would need to schedule a time slot in advance via the council’s website or phone line, with bookings set to open from March 25.

The changes have sparked criticism, with concerns over the potential impact on residents. However, the council’s cabinet member for recycling has defended the system, citing its popularity in a local authority in North Wales.

Another upcoming change, the introduction of charges for disposing of DIY waste at HRCs, has also raised concerns, although it is not part of this motion.

A petition against the booking system and charges was launched less than a week ago, and has gained more than 2,800 signatures.

Cllr Amanda Jenner said: "Since the scrapping of a similar system in Shropshire, it is clear that residents here in Powys have significant concerns about the problems the introduction of a booking system will cause here, such as increased fly tipping and that not all residents will be comfortable with or easily able to use such a system.”

In Shropshire, the Conservative-led council recently abandoned its recycling centre booking system for cars just months after implementing it, following feedback from residents who found it inconvenient, and a petition led by Shropshire’s Liberal Democrat councillors.

Cllr Aled Davies added: “The council should take time to consider the evidence from other local authorities and recognise that introducing a "one system fits all" approach across a county like Powys may not work.”

The wording of the motion is:

“This council recognises the level of public concern regarding the planned introduction of a booking system for household waste recycling centres and calls on Powys County Council to halt the introduction of this booking system in order to consider the evidence from a neighbouring local authority who has cancelled their much-criticised booking system. The planned introduction of a booking system should be halted whilst it is referred back to the relevant scrutiny committee and then Cabinet for both to consider the recent evidence from neighbouring authorities and to also consider the recent concerns raised by many Powys residents. This Council also recognises that a one-system fits all approach cannot be applied across a county the size of Powys. ”

If accepted, the motion will be debated at the next full council meeting in March.