Recycling centres

Where is my local recycling centre?

East Lothian currently has three open recycling centres:

Macmerry Recycling Centre is currently closed, until further notice.

Both Kinwegar and Dunbar Recycling Centres have a raised area so you can deposit material into the skips without climbing stairs. Please follow the one way systems at each site.

When using the recycling centres please remember:

to bring photographic identification with you to prove you are from East Lothian
to separate your items for recycling
that attendants cannot offer any assistance to unload vehicles
that children and pets must remain in the vehicle at all times

When is my local recycling centre open?

The recycling centres are open 7 days a week: 8:30am to 5:00pm

The recycling centres are closed 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January, and will close at the earlier time of 2:00pm on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

What can I take to my local recycling centre?

Your recycling centres have skips and banks so you can recycle all of the following items:

green garden waste
florescent tubes and energy saving light bulbs
cardboard
vegetable oil
household batteries
scrap metal
engine oil
television and computer monitors
rubble
gas cylinders
bicycles

car batteries
fridges and freezers
paper and card
solid timber
plastic food and drinks containers
green, clear and brown glass
small and large electrical appliances
steel and aluminium cans and clean foil
laminated wood
soil and turf
clothing and textiles

Each centre also has facilities for you to deposit your non recyclable waste and large items like mattresses and sofas.

Items not accepted at the local recycling centre

asbestos - contact us on 01875 824 311 for advice on disposal
car tyres - cannot be accepted at landfill sites, they should be taken to an authorised treatment facility for end-of-life vehicles
electrical and electronic equipment from non domestic properties

Who can take items to the recycling centre?

The recycling centres are provided for household waste that has been produced from domestic properties in East Lothian. Household waste generated from properties outside East Lothian should be taken to the site being operated by the Local Authority the property is located in.

Can I bring my items in a van or trailer?

You may bring your items to the recycling centres in a van or with a trailer from 8:30am to 10:30am. Height barriers are in operation at all four sites outwith these times.

You will need to register the vehicle at the recycling centre.

If you are bringing waste in a van or a trailer you will be restricted to twelve visits per calendar year for the following waste types:

non recyclable and mixed waste
garden waste
rubble
wood/laminates
soil
DIY waste - such as kitchen units/bathroom suites/doors/flooring/fencing
construction and demolition waste

This list is not exhaustive - other waste types may also be subject to the twelve visit restriction.