D-Day for Wirral van drivers
Van drivers turning up at Wirral Household Waste Recycling Centres from next Thursday (October 1st) could be turned back unless they produce a pioneering new permit.
Wirral waste chiefs are counting down to the launch of a crackdown on illegal disposal of trade waste at the three Wirral Recycling Centres.
This means that, from October 1st, anyone using a van or large trailer will need a permit to deposit household waste at West Kirby, Bidston and Clatterbridge Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
The scheme is designed to end abuse by commercial traders who avoid paying Landfill Tax by disposing their waste at HWRCs – at Wirral Council tax payers’ expense. Those applying for permits only need to supply their name, address and vehicle details to help weed out commercial and trade operators.
Wirral residents using such vehicles at any of these three HWRCs should ring 0151 236 0305 or log onto www.merseysidewda.gov.uk before their next visit. They will then be sent a permit which they can use to get on site.
Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority Deputy Chairperson, Councillor John Salter, said: “The message is clear. If you use a van to visit your local Recycling Centre, you will need a permit from October 1st.
“It’s not a perfect solution, but applying for a permit will be a quick and painless process and it will help end a situation which means council tax payers have to pick up the bill for the illegal behaviour of commercial operators.”
From October 1st, householders delivering waste to Wirral HWRCs by van or a large trailer will need a free permit to use the site.
It is hoped the scheme will also reduce congestion at the three Centres and improve safety by reducing movement of large vehicles.
Householders visiting in ordinary saloon or estate cars/people carriers will not need permits unless they have blanked out windows or permanently removed rear seats. Pick-up trucks will be classed as vans and will need permits.
MWDA will closely monitor this phase of the scheme before deciding whether to roll it out across the rest of Merseyside.
