Petition against Macmerry Recycling Centre closure signed by thousands

The facility – one of four of its kind in East Lothian – “temporarily” closed its doors in October last year.

East Lothian Council said that the closure was due to “current financial considerations and staffing shortages”.

No date has been given as to when the recycling centre could again open.

In the meantime, the county is served by recycling centres in North Berwick and Dunbar, as well as at Kinwegar, Wallyford.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, started the petition amid fears that the closure could result in an increase in fly-tipping.

More than 2,000 people signed Craig Hoy MSP's petition calling for the reopening of Macmerry Recycling Centre

The former East Lothian councillor was also concerned that residents from Macmerry, Haddington, Gifford, Pencaitland, East and West Saltoun, and Longniddry would be forced to travel further to dispose of waste, creating congestion elsewhere in the county.

Mr Hoy delivered the petition, signed by 2,168 people, to East Lothian Council’s headquarters in Haddington, on Friday.

He said: “It is very clear that the community wants the centre reopened.

“I receive complaints from annoyed residents complaining about the closure of the centre, many saying there has been an increase in fly tipping and long waits or time-consuming drives at the alternative centres.

“Kinwegar, North Berwick and Dunbar are feeling the pressure following the closure of Macmerry; local residents need somewhere convenient to take their recycling, especially with green bins now being collected every three weeks.

“Labour-run East Lothian Council must listen to the community and reopen Macmerry.”

South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy launched a petition calling for East Lothian Council to reopen Macmerry Recycling Centre

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “A decision was taken to temporarily close the Macmerry recycling site.

“The closure remains in place at this time and the budget agreed by Council for 24/25 reflects a requirement for ongoing efficiencies to be delivered across a number of services, including waste.

“The remaining three recycling sites available at Kinwegar, North Berwick and Dunbar are open seven days a week to receive a wide selection of materials.”