Recycling centre permit scheme to crack down on commercial operators trying to avoid trade waste fees

Members of the public who use vans or larger vehicles to dispose of rubbish will be asked to register as part of a crackdown on commercial operators dumping waste for free.

The permits, which can be applied for online, will also limit people to 12 visits a year.

Dundee City Council says surveys carried out at its Baldovie and Riverside recycling centres found more firms are using household recycling centres to avoid paying trade waste fees.

Under the new “resident permit scheme”, anyone who uses a non-commercial van will have to register for a free permit before they visit a centre. If they have hired a van, they will have to show proof.

Vehicles that will need a permit include vans, pick-ups, minibuses and vehicles using a single axle trailer.

Estate cars, MPVs and 4x4s will not need to be registered.

The register is designed to make it easier to identify commercial operators and ensure they use the Baldovie Transfer Station, where they pay a commercial waste fee.

For more information, visit www.dundeecity.gov.uk/environment/recyclingcentres/ and www.dundeecity.gov.uk/environments/permits.