Mid and East Antrim Recycling Centres Introduce New Booking and Permit System from 19 October

A new Mid and East Antrim recycling centre booking system will launch on Monday 19 October 2026, affecting three Household Recycling Centres in Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Larne.

Most residents using an ordinary private car will not need a permit or booking.

However, residents using vans, double-axle trailers or horse boxes must apply for a permit and book visits in advance.

Eligible Mid and East Antrim ratepayers can obtain a free permit.

Residents can apply for a permit or check the booking requirements on the council website.

New Recycling Centre Booking System Starts on 19 October

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is introducing a new online booking and permit system at three of its main Household Recycling Centres from Monday 19 October 2026.

The changes will apply to:

The council says the system will help improve recycling services, reduce unauthorised use and ensure facilities are primarily used by people living and operating within the borough.

However, the new rules will not affect everyone visiting these recycling centres.

Who Needs a Recycling Centre Permit?

Under the new system, residents will need a permit and advance booking if they use:

Permit requirements will also apply to commercial businesses, community groups, charitable organisations and landlords using the centres.

Anyone affected should check the official council guidance and register online before the changes begin.

Who Does Not Need to Book?

The council has confirmed that residents using an ordinary private car will not need to book or apply for a permit.

This includes motorists towing a single-axle trailer behind their private car.

Therefore, most householders taking recycling or household waste to the centres can continue to visit without using the new booking system.

Free Permits and 12 Visits Per Year for Van Users

Eligible Mid and East Antrim ratepayers can apply for a free household recycling permit.

Households using a van as their only means of transport will be entitled to up to 12 visits per year under the permit system.

Each visit must be booked in advance through the council’s online platform.

The council says requests for additional visits will be reviewed individually.

Residents who require a permit can register and arrange their visits through the HRC online booking portal.

Why Is Mid and East Antrim Council Introducing the Changes?

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council says the changes are intended to tackle unauthorised use of recycling centres and reduce the financial burden on local ratepayers.

The council has highlighted concerns about what it calls “waste tourism”, where people from outside the borough use facilities funded by Mid and East Antrim residents.

Rowan Moore, Director of Place at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said:

“The Council has noted a steady rise in what has been termed ‘Waste Tourism’, where visitors from outside the Borough are using our household recycling facilities.

“But waste costs money – and up to now it has been Mid and East Antrim ratepayers paying the bill.”

He explained that the new system will help the council manage unauthorised usage, reduce waste going to landfill and improve recycling services for residents and businesses.

Similar booking and permit arrangements already operate in other council areas.

Changes Affect Recycling Centres in Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Larne

The new system will operate at the borough’s three main recycling centres.

Sullatober Recycling Centre, Carrickfergus

Residents using Sullatober Recycling Centre in Carrickfergus should check whether their vehicle requires a permit before visiting from 19 October.

Private cars and private cars towing single-axle trailers will not be affected by the new booking requirement.

Waveney Road Recycling Centre, Ballymena

The changes will also apply at Waveney Road Household Recycling Centre in Ballymena.

Affected users must register for the permit system and book visits in advance.

For more local updates, visit our Ballymena news and community page.

Redlands Recycling Centre, Larne

Residents and organisations using Redlands Household Recycling Centre in Larne should also check the new requirements.

The council is encouraging affected users to register before the launch date.

Read more local updates on our Larne news and information page.

How to Apply for a Recycling Centre Permit

Residents and organisations who need a permit can register online through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The council’s website provides information about eligibility, registration and booking requirements.

Official booking and permit information:

Mid and East Antrim HRC Online Booking and Permit System

Additional information about recycling centre services is available through the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council website.

Check the Rules Before Visiting from 19 October

The new Mid and East Antrim recycling centre booking system will come into effect on Monday 19 October 2026.

Residents using private cars, including those towing single-axle trailers, can continue visiting without making an advance booking.

However, van users and others covered by the permit requirements should register before their next visit.

The changes form part of the council’s wider programme to modernise waste management and recycling services across the borough.

Planning a visit? Check whether you need a permit and book online through the council’s official website.

For further community updates, visit Northern Ireland Online or explore our local town guides.