New vehicle restrictions at Highland Council Household Waste Recycling Centres

16th December 2019

From the 3rd February 2020, The Highland Council will be introducing changes at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC). These changes will be introduced in two phases with phase one focussing on vehicle restrictions which will commence on 3rd February 2020. Phase two will place restrictions on the amount of construction and demolition waste permitted into the sites and will be implemented later in the year.

The measures were agreed by the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee on 15th August 2019 to help the Council deliver savings in the region of £300,000 over 2 years.

Carron McDiarmid, Executive Chief Officer Communities and Place said: "The Council operates 21 HWRC throughout the Highlands providing opportunities for householders to recycle a wide range of materials including cardboard, some plastics, textiles, garden waste, scrap metal, wood, glass and electrical appliances. However, in Highland we manage 22% more waste per person than the Scottish average. In addition, the Recycling Centres have experienced a 50% increase in waste in the past decade, costing up to £2.4M in handling and treatment costs."

She continued: “Restrictions already apply at HWRC regarding the disposal of commercial waste and the introduction of the new restrictions aims to maximise the availability of facilities to householders while preventing commercial misuse.”

From Monday 3rd February the following vehicles will not be permitted entry to HWRC with any waste:

• Trailers with more than one axle or greater than 2.4 metres (8 feet) in length;

• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or greater;

• Tippers and flat-bed trucks of any weight;

• Plant vehicles

Leaflets detailing the vehicle restrictions will be available from all HWRC and further information about the changes will be communicated via social media, newspapers and the Councils website.

Alternative methods for managing household waste include using The Highland Council's chargeable Bulky Uplift Service. To coincide with the changes at HWRC, the range of items available for collection has now been expanded to include bathroom and sanitary ware; kitchen cabinets; car tyres and/or rims; bicycles; window frames and doors (without glass), gates, lawnmowers and garden tools. The charge for this service is £22.69 for 1 - 3 items and £45.37 for 4 – 6 items. To book a Bulky Uplift please visit www.highland.gov.uk/request or call 01349 886603.

In Caithness, Sutherland, Wester Ross, Skye and Badenoch & Strathspey, the Council operates Transfer Stations and/or landfill sites where householders and businesses can pay to deliver waste directly. In addition, in Sutherland and Skye, the Council operates a chargeable skip hire service for householders and businesses. In Inverness, Easter Ross and Lochaber there are private waste disposal companies which offer skip hire or waste disposal facilities for which a charge will apply.

Fly tipping is currently monitored across the region and will continue to be assessed once the changes are introduced and any remedial action will be taken by the Council’s Compliance Team.

For more information visit: www/highland.gov.uk/recycle; e-mail recycle@highland.gov.uk or call 01349 886603.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.