New HWRC booking system gets under way this month
The new booking system for North Ayrshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres will be introduced at the end of this month.
From Tuesday 29 April, anyone visiting one of North Ayrshire’s four recycling centres will need to have booked a slot prior to visiting.
Advance bookings can be made from Tuesday 22 April.
Residents that do not have access to the internet will be able to book by phoning the Customer Contact Centre on 01294 310000, or for Arran residents by phoning 01770 600338. Alternatively, they can book in person at the local offices in Largs, Irvine, Saltcoats and Lamlash. Family members will also be able to book for residents that do not have access to the internet.
The new system – which has proven successful in other parts of the country – aims to make visits smoother and quicker.
It will allow customers to book slots at recycling sites at a time convenient to them, helping enable staff to assist customers to dispose of their household waste safely and correctly, minimising contamination and improving recycling.
Residents can access the HWRC booking system via the council’s website at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Quote: Booking systems have been introduced in different parts of the country for some time now and have proven to work well. We have liaised with other local authorities who operate a booking system to ensure we get the best and most efficient system for North Ayrshire. One of the main benefits we would expect residents to notice is the reduction of long queues at sites, particularly at peak times. By having a pre-booked slot, we should see fewer queues, shorter waiting times and an all-round better service. Importantly, we should see significant environmental benefits with fewer emissions from vehicles sitting in traffic and better reuse and recycling with a reduction in cross-contamination of waste.”
Quote from: Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy
The Council operates four Household Waste Recycling Centres in Irvine, Kilbirnie, Largs and Brodick.
Up until 29 April, you will not be required to make a booking.
When the booking system launches on 22 April – one week ahead of the scheme’s introduction – residents will be asked to provide vehicle registration details so that our site attendants can check-in bookings accurately and efficiently.
Residents will be able to book a slot on the same day, subject to availability, as well as booking an appointment up to 14 days in advance.
Householders can also make multiple bookings on the same day to visit the recycling centres. However, you will require to make a separate booking for each visit.
For mainland HWRC site users who were previously issued with annual paper Tip Permits for a van or a car with a small trailer for depositing household waste, then if you have an existing valid paper Tip Permit then you will be able to use your paper permit reference number to book a slot.
Once your existing Tip Permits have been used up or have expired, you will be required to apply for a free Tip Permit (12 visits per annum) using the new booking system, over the phone, or in person. You will then be required to book a slot prior to each visit.
Further guidance, information and support will be provided to users at the HWRCs to help them transition to the new system.
Published: 15 April 2025