An online booking system is being introduced for vans and vehicles towing trailers to access East Lothian Council recycling centres.
The council currently has three recycling centres open in the county. From 3 June, vans and any vehicle towing a trailer will need to pre-book an appointment between 10am and midday to dispose of household waste or recycling. Centres do not accept waste from business or commercial sources. The online booking system goes live on 29 May and applies to van or trailer visits from 3 June. A ‘fair use’ policy of 12 visits per year for vans and trailers remains in place.
The changes have been introduced to enable safe access by managing large vehicles on site and reduce the volume of trade waste being disposed of illegally at the centres which are for domestic waste only. The access window has been changed from current 8.30am-10.30am to 10am-midday to allow residents hiring vans or trailers for one-off household projects more time to collect and load the vehicle before visiting the centre. Same day bookings can be made if there is availability.
Pre-booking access arrangements are already in place across neighbouring authorities, with some requiring all vehicles to pre-book regardless of size.
East Lothian Council’s Leader, Councillor Norman Hampshire, said: “Our priority is to run our recycling centres in a safe and efficient way that benefits East Lothian residents. The booking system, which is already common in many other areas, will still allow larger vehicles and trailers access to our sites and also make it easier for householders who are hiring vans to collect, load and visit the site before returning their rental vehicle. The new arrangements will balance the needs of all of the different groups who can legitimately use our centres to dispose of a wide range of household and domestic waste and recycling.”
Further information is available online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/vans-and-trailers
Booking arrangements are in place across neighbouring authorities as follows:
- Edinburgh: all vehicles accessing sites must pre-book a slot. Vans and trailers access from 8.30am to 10am only. Fair use: 12 visits per year
- Midlothian: booking required for vans or trailers. Fair use: 6 times per year.
- Scottish Borders: booking required for large vehicles, trailers or disposal of upholstered seating
- West Lothian: all vehicles accessing sites must pre-book a slot. Vans and trailers restricted access times. Fair use: 10 visits per year.