Locals-only tip scheme prompts anger and confusion

A new registration system for people wanting to use household waste tips in North Yorkshire has caused anger and confusion for many residents.

North Yorkshire Council has said from 27 April people will need to register their name, address and vehicle before visiting any of the county's twenty recycling centres.

The move is intended to ensure the sites are used only by those who fund the service, according to the authority.

However, it has a prompted a backlash on social media, with hundreds of people responding to a council post.

One person described it as a "dumb idea" that they feared would result in "more illegal fly-tipping".

Another contributor asked "what's wrong with the way they run it now?" before suggesting the registration system had "caused lots of problems in other districts".

Other posts raised issues about older people who had difficulty using the internet or people who did not have access to it.

One person asked: "How does someone without broadband, smart phone or computer register?"

The authority said anyone who could not register online could do so by calling the council or visiting a library or council office for help. Once registered, it would last three years.

A spokesperson explained that residents using "commercial-like vehicles" such as vans and pick-ups would be able to make up to 12 free visits per year to dispose of their own household waste once registered.

This has been introduced with the aim of reducing the amount of commercial waste being deposited for free at the sites, the authority said.

Richard Foster, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for managing our environment, 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."

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