NEWS that a booking system is set to be introduced for North Ayrshire's recycling centres sparked much debate and derision last week.

The announcement from North Ayrshire Council was slammed by some as "farcical", while others suggested that the move "doesn't work" in other local authority areas.

The council is expected to implement the online system next spring at its four household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), including Brodick and Kilbirnie.

NAC said the system will allow customers to book slots at HWRC sites at a convenient time, enabling staff to help offload their household waste safely and correctly, minimising contamination, and improving recycling.

It is aimed at reducing queueing at the sites, particularly at peak times, and further details are due to be published next year.

READ MORE: New booking system to be introduced at North Ayrshire recycling centres

One person wrote: “It's a really well-run system as it is, if it ain't broken don't fix it. This is a farce.”

Another commented that the only time they have ever seen queues at the centres was “after Covid and after New Year”, adding: “Can’t say I think this is a very good idea.”

Several suggested that fly-tipping could increase as a result of the move, while others claimed the system is “a disaster” and “total chaos” in other areas that use it.

One of our Facebook followers posted: “Ridiculous. Not EVERYTHING needs to be online these days.”

More than a few folk on Facebook raised fears that fees will soon be introduced to dump waste, following on from the controversial booking system.

One user said: “Will end up like the GPs… Can’t get an appointment? And not everyone has internet to book online.”

Another person said: “They need to ask the user if we think this would be beneficial for us. Personally I think it’s a load of ‘rubbish’.”

One person commented: “This is a dangerous precedent particularly for sites like Largs Hailey Brae.

"You're going to see congestion on the main road as incoming and outgoing cars cannot pass on the site access road. I have never seen this before, but rest assured it's going to happen and serious accidents will happen as a result.”

While another wrote: “Just a sneaky way to monitor what and how often you are attending as well as more places to hold data and personal info on you.

“Most likely become AI and no regard for the people working there who are so helpful and kind.

“As others said: Where was the consultation with the community?”

What do you think of the plan? Let us know in the comments below.