Large vans, large vehicles and trailers will be able to visit household waste and recycling centres with new booking system

10 August 2020

Residents will be able to book a slot to be able to visit a city household waste and recycling centre with a larger vehicle or trailer from today (Monday 10 August).

The appointment system will also apply to anyone wanting to drop off household paint or chemicals, no matter what size of vehicle they have – this service will be available at Hazlehead HWRC only.

The booking system for both larger vehicles/trailers and household paint/chemicals is open from today with the first available appointments for Tuesday 11 August.

The current COVID-19 restrictions mean that the sites are operating differently to usual. The appointment system helps increase access to the sites for larger vehicles in a controlled manner, whilst managing the flow of traffic through the site and reducing queues. Larger vehicles generally take longer to clear the sites of up to 20 minutes or more, whereas the average car visit takes about five minutes. In addition, dropping off paint and chemicals needs to be supervised by site staff.

Residents wishing to visit a HWRC with a Transit-type van, a large people carrier (more than seven seats), a pick-up truck, or a trailer can book an appointment online. Same day bookings are not possible, and residents should book at least the day before their visit. Booking a slot does not give priority access and people with bookings will still require to queue at busy times. Residents can find more guidance and book a slot (from Monday 10 August) at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/bins-and-recycling/latest-service-update-waste-and-recycling.

Those in cars, 4x4 vehicles (SUVs), MPVs (up to 7 seats) and small vans (car-like vans) do not need to book and can continue to use the sites freely as they do now.

Before they leave their household, residents are asked to ensure they have a proof of address document, such as a current utilities’ bill or driving licence, on their dashboard as usage of the four sites is restricted to Aberdeen residents only. Those who book an appointment should also take their booking reference and hire vehicle documents where necessary. Pedestrians will not be allowed entry at the sites as per normal restrictions.

The range of materials accepted at the sites has already been increased at all four recycling sites in the city and residents should check the website at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/bins-and-recycling/latest-service-update-waste-and-recycling to find out what materials are allowed.

One person may leave the vehicle to unload items or a maximum of 2 if unloading large vehicles or bulky items. Staff won’t be able to help as they must observe physical distancing guidelines. Commercial waste is not allowed at any Aberdeen HWRC - these sites are for household waste only. We would also remind residents of the current situation in Aberdeen and advise that they should not travel more than 5 miles unless for work or education purposes.

Aberdeen City Council operational delivery convener Councillor John Wheeler said: “The booking system for Transit-style vans, larger vehicles and trailers will be appreciated by many people across the city.

“Residents should check the website for information as well as for booking, to find out what materials are currently accepted and in case there’s any changes.”

The four HWRC sites are operating normal summer opening hours from 10am to 7.45pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 7.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The Tullos site is closed on Wednesdays.

People should check the website https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/bins-and-recycling/latest-service-update-waste-and-recycling before travelling to a site to check if there are any changes, and for a more detailed list as to which materials can, and cannot, be accepted.