![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/ards-and-north-down-booking-needed-to-use-recycling-centres/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/130974908_gettyimages-1298266651.jpg&description=Image source, Getty Images Image caption, New entry rules are being introduced at household recycling centres in Ards and North Down from Monday Residents in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area now have to book in advance before using household recycling centres. Some recycling centres in Northern Ireland operated similar booking systems during the Covid-19 pandemic. But Ards and North Down is the first council to introduce it at all sites, on a permanent basis. Bookings can be made online or by telephone, up to 30 minutes before an allocated time. The council believes that by managing access there will be a reduction in queues at busy times, and an overall increase in recycling. Some residents have complained that the booking system will deter users and lead to an increase in fly-tipping. The council has said there is no evidence of this in parts of Great Britain which already operate a similar scheme. The new system will begin on Monday morning at recycling centres in Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Donaghadee, Ballygowan, Kircubbin, Millisle, Portaferry and Comber. Image caption, Signs have been erected informing residents that entry to Ards and North Down recycling centres must be pre-booked Access is restricted to householders in the council area, and personal details are checked before entry. To book a slot online, residents must provide: An email address Vehicle registration The type of waste being brought A spokesperson for Ards and North Down Council said the move would help it achieve its environmental objectives and would increase recycling rates. The council aims to have a recycling rate of 70% by 2030. The spokesperson also said the move would "significantly reduce the cost" of disposing of waste by stopping commercial companies and people from outside the council area from using the centres. Image caption, The facilities are restricted to residents who can show proof of their address in the Ards and North Down area In the other 10 council areas){kind=link}
Residents in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area now have to book in advance before using household recycling centres.
Some recycling centres in Northern Ireland operated similar booking systems during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But Ards and North Down is the first council to introduce it at all sites, on a permanent basis.
Bookings can be made online or by telephone, up to 30 minutes before an allocated time.
The council believes that by managing access there will be a reduction in queues at busy times, and an overall increase in recycling.