Largs’ household waste recycling centre re-opened on Monday for the first time in three months.

As demand is expected to be extremely high, the council is urging only those who absolutely need to dispose of excess waste to make a visit during the initial days of opening.

It will be open daily from 10.30am till 4pm.

Residents are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the restrictions and physical distancing measures being enforced at the site before they make the trip.

These include limiting the number of vehicles permitted on site as well as arrangements to ensure that everyone keeps a two-metre distance from each other at all times and follows the signage and markings that will be located across the recycling centre.

There will also be hand sanitiser stations available.

Residents must show proof of residency within North Ayrshire before being allowed onto the site. This can either be a valid driving licence, council tax bill or utility bill.

No vans or trailers will be permitted on site until demand eases and there will be no pedestrian access allowed.

There will be some temporary restrictions on the type of items.

The following can be disposed of straight away: general waste, garden waste, cardboard, wood, scrap metal

Acceptance of these items will be delayed until demand eases: soil/rubble, white goods, electrical items, household batteries, oil, and gas bottles.

Recycling remit councillor Jim Montgomerie said: “Following national guidance, we have been reopening our recycling centres as part of a phased plan which ensures the safety of both our customers and staff.

As we expect high demand for this service in the initial few days – if not weeks – we ask that you only visit if there is no other safe option for managing your waste.

“We will, of course, monitor progress carefully and will resume normal service once we are satisfied that demand has reached a manageable level.”

For more details, visit the council’s website at: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/HWRC