A proposal to permanently close Macmerry Recycling Centre will be considered by elected members at the full meeting of East Lothian Council on Tuesday, 29 October.
The facility has been mothballed since October 2023 due to the council’s financial position, with local residents instead able to use the more modern and accessible site at Kinwegar. The council also continues to operate recycling sites at North Berwick and Dunbar. All three sites are open seven days a week to receive a wide selection of materials.
As well as accessing one of East Lothian’s three operational recycling centres, residents can also contact the council to arrange a bulky waste uplift.
On reviewing operational requirements and associated costs for the site at Macmerry, officers are recommending its permanent closure and that it is declared surplus to requirements. A decision will be for elected members to take.
In a challenging financial environment in which it is likely that there will be a requirement for East Lothian Council to continue making savings, the closure would result in a one-off saving of £53,000 and a recurring annual saving of £62,000.
Due to commercially confidential aspects in relation to requirements for the proposed disposal of the site for economic development purposes, the report will be considered by elected members on Tuesday in private.
An update will be issued following the meeting.