A booking system for vans and trailers for householders disposing of household waste and recycling will be introduced in Sutherland Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) from Monday 1 June 2026.
The change will affect Bonar Bridge, Brora, Lairg, Lochinver and Tongue HWRC and bring them into line with other Household Waste Recycling Centres across the Highlands, where the booking system has been successfully in place for more than five years.
From 1 June 2026, householders bringing vans under 3.5 tonnes or trailers to each of the sites:
- Will be required to book a slot in advance
- Must make a booking at least 48 hours before arrival
- Are permitted one visit per week per vehicle (Sunday to Saturday).
Vehicles 3.5 tonnes or over, as well as tippers, flat‑bed trucks of any weight and plant vehicles, are not permitted at any of the Sutherland HWRCs.
The public are also reminded that waste from householder’s own construction and demolition activities (e.g. small-scale DIY tasks) will only be permitted in cars and will be limited to one visit per day.
Businesses who wish to use a van or trailer to dispose of business waste and recycling can use Brora, Lochinver and Tongue Waste Transfer Stations and do not have to book. Charges will apply for disposal of business waste based on the size of vehicle and prices are available from the on-site Operative.
These measures are designed to protect the availability of the Household Waste Recycling Centres for householders, manage demand more effectively, and prevent misuse of council facilities by commercial operators.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “The Council operates 21 Household Waste Recycling Centres across the Highlands which accept a wide range of materials for recycling including cardboard, textiles, garden waste, scrap metal, wood, glass and electrical appliances.
“The introduction of the online booking system for householders aims to better manage demand and maximise the availability of facilities to householders. Restrictions already apply at Lairg and Bonar Bridge HWRCs regarding the disposal of commercial waste and the introduction of the online booking system aims to prevent commercial misuse.”
The booking system is now live on the Highland Council website, allowing householders sufficient time to plan visits ahead of the June start date. Information leaflets will also be available at all the HWRCs, with further communication through social media, the local newspaper and the Council website.
How to book
Van and trailer bookings can be made online at:
https://www.highland.gov.uk/recycling-facilities/recycling-centres/4
Further information on booking rules and vehicle restrictions is available at:
https://www.highland.gov.uk/recycling-facilities/recycling-centres/2
Alternative disposal options
Householders who are unable to attend the sites can use The Highland Council’s chargeable Bulky Uplift Service. Charges are:
- £30 for 1–3 items
- £60 for 4–6 items
Bulky uplift bookings can be made at:
https://www.highland.gov.uk/household-bin-collections/book-bulky-uplift
For information on the bulky uplift service for businesses please contact: business.waste@highland.gov.uk
Highland Council also operates a chargeable skip hire service for householders and businesses in Sutherland – for more information, please contact business.waste@highland.gov.uk