Residents need to register to use North Yorkshire’s household recycling centres under new council rules being introduced because people who live outside outside the region are using them.
A name, address and vehicle will need to be registered with North Yorkshire Council before visiting any of the county’s 20 household waste recycling centres – including Discovery Way in Whitby – as of April 27.
It will reduce visits from those outside the county, which currently accounts for about one in six users, and costs the taxpayer up to £400,000 a year, a council spokesperson said.
It is believed the out of area users are from neighbouring authorities, rather than second-home owners or day-trippers.
The registrations will be valid for three years and staff at the centres will check eligibility via vehicle number plates rather than passes or literature being posted out.
Owners of commercial‑like vehicles will be able to make up to 12 free visits per year to dispose of their own household waste once registered.
This is designed to stop commercial waste inadvertently being dropped off free of charge.
It is estimated the new savings of up to £400,000 per year will be made up of £300,000 from restricting non‑resident use, and £100,000 from limiting commercial‑like vehicle visits.
People unable to register online can visit a library or council office for help.
Executive member for managing our environment, Coun Richard Foster, said: “Introducing the registration scheme is an important step in protecting a service that residents value without creating additional cost to the taxpayer.
“It will help us to improve access, reduce misuse, and ensure we are operating the centres as efficiently and fairly as possible. Registration is quick, simple and lasts for three years.”
The introduction of the scheme follows a detailed review and a 12‑week consultation, which received more than 3,000 responses. Of these, 69 per cent supported restricting access to residents, and 61 per cent backed limits for commercial‑like vehicles.
