Recycling centres are ready for summer
The sun is finally shining and the recycling centres at Western Road, Kilmarnock and Garlaff, near Cumnock are ready for an influx of visitors as East Ayrshire residents clear out their homes and tidy up their gardens.
The recycling centres are easy to access for East Ayrshire residents, with summer opening hours now in operation. Proof of residency is required so please remember to bring your driving licence or a utility bill.
To ensure that only household waste is disposed of at the recycling centres and to reduce congestion, the Council introduced an appointment system for commercial type vehicles and vehicles with trailers. Householders, even if they have rented or borrowed a van for a clear out, will need to make an appointment and provide ID to the site attendant.
Residents can make their own booking the same day or in advance through the Council’s website with bookings also available by phone.
Councillor Elena Whitham, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “Back in 2013 we introduced the appointment system to encourage businesses, many from out with East Ayrshire, to dispose of their waste appropriately. The appointment system has bedded in well, has reduced congestion and misuse by businesses. The onsite attendants know what vehicle to expect and what waste it will be carrying making the process quicker and more efficient.
“The teams at Western Road and Garlaff had also noticed that people from out with East Ayrshire were regularly using our recycling centres. To tackle the rising numbers of rubbish tourists we introduced proof of residency last September. Like our neighbouring authorities who use number plate recognition or similar technology, we have to ensure that only East Ayrshire residents are accessing our recycling centres.
“Every local authority across Scotland must meet the Scottish Government’s recycling targets and with the costs of disposing waste rising significantly in recent years we must ensure that East Ayrshire residents are not paying for other’s waste costs.
“We want our residents to use our recycling centres and we try to make each visit as smooth and as easy as possible.”
It is anticipated that following the completion of the Taylor Wimpey housing development in summer 2020, a new access road to Western Road recycling centre will open and will separate traffic accessing the site. This will make a visit to Western Road, easier and more convenient for non-commercial users.
Further information regarding the appointment system for commercial type vehicles or Recycling Permits for commercial business use is available on the Council’s website. Should you require additional information please contact Waste Management Services on 01563 554033 or email waste@east-ayrshire.gov.uk