NEWS that a booking system is set to be introduced for Irvine's recycling centre sparked much debate and derision last week.

The announcement from North Ayrshire Council was slammed by some as a "load of rubbish", however, others defended the move by claiming that it "works well" in other local authority areas.

The council is expected to implement the online system next spring at its four household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), including Bartonholm.

NAC said the system will allow customers to book slots at HWRC sites at a convenient time, enabling staff to help offload their household waste safely and correctly, minimising contamination, and improving recycling.

It is aimed at reducing queueing at the sites, particularly at peak times, and further details are due to be published next year.

READ MORE: New booking system to be introduced at North Ayrshire recycling centres

But one Irvine Times follower branded it "discrimination", stating: “There is still a generation of elderly people who aren’t online.”

Another social media user argued: “Maybe increasing opening would be more beneficial.”

Another person agreed: “This is not going to work, most people work during the week. You won’t get a slot over the weekend. Are they going to open in the evening?”

A few folk on our Facebook page claimed that a booking system is "not required" outside of the Christmas period, when more locals will have more waste to throw out.

Several respondents suggested the move could lead to more fly-tipping, while others replied that the former Dreghorn dump "should never have been shut".

Another Facebook user said: “Last time we encountered a queue was during Covid. Would a digital system lead eventually to charging to dump rubbish? I agree with those who think fly-tipping will increase.”

One person wrote: “The usual from the council, never ask the residents of North Ayrshire their thoughts on things like this. It will end up a nightmare for folk, if it's not broken don't try fix it.”

However, others responded saying that the system “actually works well at Kilmarnock” and “it’s easy and simple to use and book” in Troon.

Another posted: “It works well in South Ayrshire. No queues, allowed multiple visits per day.”

While one of our followers simply commented: “What a load of rubbish.”

What do you think of the plan? Let us know in the comments below.