By james art 
A proposal to implement a digital booking system for household waste recycling centers (HWRC) at all sites was approved by the cabinet on October 1.
But Tory councilors Ronnie Stalker, Stuart Ferguson and Todd Ferguson called the proposal out, claiming it did not include a consultation or public engagement period.
They also argue that the move is not necessary as the sites are not occupied and do not need a booking system.
And they warned that it could also lead to an increase in fly-tipping, as many people will not use the new system and instead throw their rubbish in public places.
Labor councilors Nairn MacDonald, Charles Currie and leader Joe Cullinan also argued the current system was good and feared the move could increase distraction.
The council operates three sites on the mainland (Irvine, Kilbirnie and Largs) and one on the Isle of Arran in Brodick.
Cllr Cullinane added: “Our waste service is better than South and East Ayrshire. If you have a reservation system and there is no problem, you may have problems.
“I use the recycling center in Irvine quite often and very rarely have a queue in Bartonholm. Our current system is working and not broken.”
Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “As the committee is well aware, this project emulates several other schemes, including those of our neighboring authorities.
“Residents see less queues, there is a better customer experience and guaranteed entry without delays. We are third in Scotland for recycling performance and that hasn’t happened by keeping things the same, but by innovating to ensure we improve our performance.
“Right now, people are resorting to tipping if they can’t get in. Today we have many scary stories that have no evidence.
“We don’t want people who are traveling a long way to set up and not be able to get in.”
“Guaranteed access is important for people who have a long and difficult journey, especially those from Arran.”
In other areas, 95 percent of people were reported to be satisfied with the service and 97 percent were satisfied with the availability of slots provided.
Cllr Gurney added: “I hope I have calmed fears and the proposals are evidence-based and aim to improve our recycling performance.”
Thomas Rainey, head of neighborhood services, said long queues in Bartonholm were putting a lot of pressure on staff and CCTV footage showed 186 cars between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 13 October.
He also claimed Largs was a “dangerous” site and people had to queue up Haylie Brae, making it difficult to manage traffic.
Mr Rainey said it was important to listen to staff and unions were 100 per cent behind the planned system. He fears there is a risk of violence and aggression towards staff under the current system and said people are now trying to jump the queue.
Cllrs Inglis and Mclean suggested bringing the matter back to the council office.
But the committee agreed with an amendment from councilor Eleanor Collier to go ahead with the scheme, which was also supported by Labor councilors John Bell and Donald Reid.