MACMERRY Recycling Centre will “temporarily” close within a matter of weeks as East Lothian Council attempts to find savings.

The recycling centre, which is currently open seven days a week, will shut its doors on October 5.

A spokesperson for the local authority highlighted there were three other recycling facilities across East Lothian which would continue to be open.

He said: “Macmerry Recycling Centre will close temporarily from Thursday, October 5, in accordance with a current council recruitment freeze and a need for financial savings. Local residents are reminded of other recycling sites available at Kinwegar, Wallyford; North Berwick; and Dunbar.”

The sole member at the recycling facility will be redeployed to nearby Kinwegar.
Currently, the four recycling centres are open throughout the year, except December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 2.

Recycling skips and banks are in place so that items ranging from green garden waste, fluorescent tubes and vegetable oil to solid timber, car batteries, fridges and freezers can be recycled. 

Items such as asbestos, car tyres and electrical and electronic equipment from non-domestic properties cannot be taken.

The council spokesperson was unable to say when the Macmerry Recycling Centre would reopen.

Councillor Lyn Jardine, leader of the SNP opposition on East Lothian Council, was keen for the situation to be monitored.

She said: “How are we measuring the impact elsewhere in terms of Kinwegar or possibly an increase in fly-tipping?”

The councillor was keen for the option of reopening the site to be available if there was a detrimental impact elsewhere.

Ian Pryde, secretary of the village’s community council, added: “The knock-on for the other facilities, particularly the Wallyford recycling centre, is going to be pretty grim. It is already pretty well overloaded, particularly in the mornings with vans.”