New Booking and Permit System for Mid and East Antrim Recycling Centres

Residents using ordinary private cars will not need to book, but new permits and annual visit limits are being introduced for vans, double-axle trailers and certain other users.

New Mid and East Antrim recycling centre booking rules are being introduced from mid-October 2026, affecting three of the borough’s main household recycling centres.

The changes will apply to:

• Sullatober Recycling Centre, Carrickfergus
• Waveney Road Recycling Centre, Ballymena
• Redlands Recycling Centre, Larne

However, residents travelling in an ordinary private car, including those towing a single-axle trailer, will not need a permit or advance booking.

The new system will mainly affect residents using vans or double-axle trailers, alongside landlords, charities, community groups and certain commercial businesses.

Permits are free for eligible Mid and East Antrim ratepayers.

Apply for a free recycling centre permit

New Mid and East Antrim Recycling Centre Booking System Explained

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is introducing a new online permit and booking system at three household recycling centres from mid-October 2026.

The council says the changes are designed to improve recycling services, help maintain waste targets and reduce unauthorised use of its facilities, particularly by commercial operators.

Under the new arrangements, certain residents and organisations must obtain a council-issued permit before visiting a recycling centre.

Those affected will also need to book a time slot through the online system.

However, the council has confirmed that most householders using ordinary private cars will not be affected.

The new requirements will apply to specific vehicles and categories of users rather than everyone visiting the sites.

Which Recycling Centres Are Affected?

The booking system will operate at three recycling centres across Mid and East Antrim.

Sullatober Recycling Centre, Carrickfergus

Sullatober Household Recycling Centre is located at 10 Marshallstown Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 9DE.

Residents who use vans or double-axle trailers will need to obtain a permit and book their visits once the system is introduced.

Those travelling in ordinary private cars, including cars towing single-axle trailers, can continue visiting without booking.

For more community updates, events, businesses and local information, visit Northern Ireland Online’s Carrickfergus page.

Waveney Road Recycling Centre, Ballymena

Waveney Road Household Recycling Centre in Ballymena will also introduce the new arrangements.

The same vehicle exemptions and permit requirements will apply.

Residents can find more local updates through our Ballymena town page.

Redlands Recycling Centre, Larne

Redlands Household Recycling Centre, located on Harbour Highway in Larne, is the third site included in the changes.

The council has also confirmed that soil can only be brought to Redlands under the accepted waste arrangements.

For more local news and information, visit our Larne town page.

Opening times and additional site guidance can be found on the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council household recycling centres page.

Who Needs a Recycling Centre Permit?

Not everyone visiting the recycling centres will need to register.

However, the following categories will require a council-issued permit and advance booking:

• Residents using a car or pickup with a double-axle trailer, including horseboxes

• Residents using a van, with or without a trailer
• Landlords disposing of eligible waste
• Community organisations
• Charitable organisations
• Commercial businesses bringing approved cardboard or garden waste
• Businesses collecting and replacing eligible household items under “old for new” arrangements

Permits will only be available to eligible Mid and East Antrim ratepayers.

Businesses will also be subject to restrictions on the types of waste they can bring.

Private Cars Will Not Need a Permit or Booking

The council has confirmed that residents travelling in ordinary private cars will not need to use the new system.

This means householders can continue visiting their local recycling centre without booking if they arrive in:

• A private car without a trailer
• A private car towing a single-axle trailer

For example, someone taking household recycling to Sullatober in the boot of their car will not need to create an online account.

Likewise, a resident using a single-axle trailer behind their private car will not need a permit.

However, anyone arriving in a van or using a double-axle trailer must follow the new requirements.

How to Apply for a Recycling Centre Permit

Residents and organisations who need a permit must register through the council’s online application service.

Applicants will first need to create an account.

They must then provide documentation confirming:

• Full name
• Organisation name, where applicable
• Address and postcode
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Vehicle registration details

Landlords will also have to provide proof of ownership for each property they own within the borough.

The council says applications can be submitted once the required documentation has been confirmed.

Applicants should receive a copy of their permit within two weeks.

Anyone experiencing difficulties with the application process will be directed to the council’s helpdesk.

Create an account and apply for your recycling centre permit

How Will the Online Booking System Work?

Once a permit is approved, users can book visits to one of the three participating recycling centres.

The online booking system will automatically hold their council permit number and account details.

Users will need to:

1. Select the vehicle they intend to use.
2. Choose their preferred recycling centre.
3. Select an available date and time.
4. Declare the type and quantity of waste they are bringing. 
5. Indicate whether they need assistance when they arrive.

The system will suggest the nearest recycling centre based on the user’s address.

Available appointments will depend on site capacity and the conditions attached to each permit.

Bookings can be made up to one hour before arrival, provided a suitable time slot remains available.

Access the online permit and booking portal

How Many Recycling Centre Visits Will Be Allowed?

The new system introduces annual visit allowances for certain users.

The system will automatically deduct relevant bookings from the annual allowance.

Residents Who Only Have Access to a Van

Residents who use a van as their only means of transport will also need a permit.

Each household using a van will normally be entitled to 12 visits per year.

However, the council says applications for additional visits can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Will Permits Last?

Council-issued permits will be valid for one year from the date of issue.

Users will need to apply for a new permit annually if they continue to fall within an affected category.

Missed Bookings Could Reduce Your Annual Allowance

Residents and organisations are being encouraged to cancel bookings they cannot attend.

Under the new rules, a missed appointment will count towards the user’s annual allowance unless cancelled at least one hour before the scheduled visit.

The council will also restrict block bookings and multiple reservations.

For users with unlimited access, repeated missed bookings could lead to further action.

If missed appointments exceed 20% of bookings during a six-month period, the council says the permit may be revoked for the remainder of the year.

What Waste Can You Bring to the Recycling Centres?

Permit holders must declare the waste they intend to bring when making a booking.

The council’s accepted booking categories include:

• Paper and cardboard
• Cans, glass and plastics
• Textiles
• Green waste
• Timber and scrap metal
• Rubble
• Electrical appliances
• Batteries
• Paint and oils
• Gas cylinders
• Soil, subject to site restrictions

Not every type of waste can be brought to every facility.

In particular, soil will only be accepted at Redlands Household Recycling Centre in Larne.

Residents should check the council’s guidance before travelling.

View official recycling centre information and waste guidance

New Recycling Rules for Landlords

Landlords will be entitled to 12 visits per year for each property they own within Mid and East Antrim.

They must provide evidence of ownership for each property included in their permit application.

Landlords must also hold an appropriate Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence issued through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

The council says the relevant licence must be uploaded as part of the online registration process.

More information about waste carrier licensing is available through the DAERA registration of carriers and brokers guidance.

Commercial Cardboard and Garden Waste Rules

Some commercial businesses will continue to have access to household recycling centres under specific permit categories.

However, businesses must be based within Mid and East Antrim and comply with the conditions attached to their permits.

Commercial Cardboard

Businesses bringing approved cardboard waste will be able to apply for a commercial access permit.

Cardboard must be:

• Clean and dry

• Free from contamination

• Flattened before arrival

The council says excessive volumes may be redirected to commercial waste facilities.

Businesses will also need the appropriate waste carrier registration.

Commercial Garden Waste

Businesses bringing garden waste must ensure the material is free from contamination, including plastics and metals.

Loads must be manageable and suitable for the recycling centre’s facilities.

Large or repeated bulk loads may be directed to commercial waste facilities instead.

Businesses transporting garden waste will need an Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence.

Commercial permits will only cover the type of waste selected during the application process.

Mixed commercial waste streams will not be permitted under these arrangements.

Commercial “Old for New” Collections

Businesses providing eligible “old for new” collection services may also qualify for a permit.

This includes businesses collecting certain household items when replacing them with new products.

Examples include furniture and white goods.

These businesses must provide evidence of the related sale and hold the required Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence.

All visits must be booked in advance.

Read official DAERA guidance on waste carrier registration

Charities and Community Organisations

Registered charities and community organisations based within Mid and East Antrim can apply for permits allowing unlimited visits, subject to booking availability.

However, they must book each visit in advance.

They will also need the relevant Lower Tier Waste Carrier Licence.

Charities bringing commercial cardboard or garden waste must comply with the rules covering those waste types.

What Commercial Waste Is Not Allowed?

The council has confirmed that several types of commercial waste remain prohibited.

These include:

• Construction and demolition waste
• General trade waste
• Mixed commercial waste streams

Other prohibited commercial waste types will also continue to be refused.

What Happens When You Arrive at the Recycling Centre?

Council staff will check permit holders’ bookings when they arrive.

The contents of vehicles may also be inspected to make sure they match the waste details submitted during the booking process.

Anyone using the new system should therefore ensure that their vehicle details, appointment and declared waste are accurate.

Why Is Mid and East Antrim Introducing These Changes?

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council says the booking system is intended to improve its household recycling services.

The authority wants to reduce unauthorised site usage, particularly inappropriate commercial waste disposal.

It also hopes the system will help manage recycling centre capacity and maintain waste targets.

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

Residents Urged to Check New Rules Before Visiting

With the changes being introduced from mid-October 2026, residents who use vans or double-axle trailers should check whether they need to apply for a permit.

The council advises applicants to allow time for their documentation to be processed.

However, ordinary householders travelling in private cars will not need to change how they access the participating recycling centres.

Private cars, including those towing single-axle trailers, do not require permits or advance bookings.

Anyone affected by the changes can register through the council’s online service.

Useful links:

• Apply for a free recycling centre permit
• Mid and East Antrim Household Recycling Centres
• DAERA Waste Carrier Licensing Information
• Carrickfergus local news and information
• Ballymena local news and information
• Larne local news and information

For more updates on council services, community news, local events and developments across Northern Ireland, visit Northern Ireland Online.

Will the new recycling centre booking system affect how you use your local facility? Share this article with friends and family who may need to apply for a permit.