VANS and trailers will now be given access to Borders recycling centres on an appointment basis.

Launching today, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has created an online booking system which will allow owners of large vans and trailers to transport waste to local recycling centres.

This new development is part of SBC's phased return to its 'normal' recycling and waste disposal services.

Chief executive at SBC, Tracey Logan, said: "We know that owners of large vans and trailers have been keen to start using recycling centres again for a number of weeks, and we thank them for their patience."

Bookings for large van, or trailer disposals can be made up to a week in advance or with a minimum of two day's notice. Commercial access is still not granted.

Large vans, such as a Ford Transit, are defined as being two tonnes in weight when carrying the maximum permitted load. Small panel vans, such as a Ford Courier, do not need to book in advance.

The free booking system notifies householders that they should arrive promptly to their booked slot, however, if there is a queue they will still be granted access, even after their allotted time.

Borderers are asked not to queue beyond signs at entrances to avoid unnecessary queueing.

If vehicles arrive at a centre with no booking, they will not be allowed entry.

The pre-existing waste quantity restrictions remain in place - a maximum of five bin bags of waste including a limit of two large items.

Other restrictions, such as one householder per visit is allowed to exit a vehicle, and staff are unable to offer help to remove waste from vehicles.

Ms Logan added: "We know that owners of large vans and trailers have been keen to start using recycling centres again for a number of weeks, and we thank them for their patience.

“We need to ensure we minimised significant delays and potential social distancing issues for public and staff using the sites, which is why we have been working on a booking system which is now ready to use.

“All large van and trailer owners must make a booking before arriving at a recycling centre. The booking form is straightforward to use and will take five minutes to complete.

“Our recycling centres remain very busy and if there is a considerable queue the public is asked to consider coming back to a site at another time.”

For more information, including opening times and the online booking form for large vans and trailers, visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/recyclingcentres