Household waste permits not available this bank Holiday weekend

Emergency permits for those using a commercial vehicle or a trailer at a Herefordshire Council household waste site are not available on the coming Bank Holiday Monday.

The permits became essential for residents with their household waste to gain entry to a site with either a commercial-type vehicle, a braked trailer or a non-braked trailer over 1.3 metres in length this week. Up to 7,000 such permits have already been issued, but emergency forms can be obtained from Info in Herefordshire Centres which are open today.

The Info in Herefordshire Centres won’t be operating during the May Day public holiday, however, so anyone using a works van, hire van or the specific type of trailer to get rid of the weekend’s waste should get in touch with the council ahead of Monday (May 7).

Richard Wood, Herefordshire Council’s waste services manager, said: “Traditionally, residents can use the Bank Holiday period to get stuck into household chores that generate a lot of waste. While we’d always encourage people to think about reducing the amount they take to the household waste sites, perhaps by composting garden waste or donating unwanted items for re-use, some people may still need to make a visit.

“We are reminding anyone thinking of using a commercial vehicle or a trailer that fits the specification to ensure they have a permit as necessary ahead of Monday to ensure they can access the household waste site.”

A survey of nearly 1,000 waste site users showed that almost two thirds of them wanted to see a reduction in non-legitimate use. The introduction of the permit scheme will prevent commercial waste from being deposited while at the same time allowing residents who use commercial vans for their personal use to continue disposing of their own household waste.

Each permit is valid for one visit to a household waste site and up to eight permits will be issued per application. Permits will be issued on production of a copy of the V5 Vehicle Registration Document or a letter from the employer authorising the use of the company vehicle.

The permit is only valid for one vehicle or trailer and for a named driver, resident at the specified address. Residents are able to apply for more permits on a need-to basis. There is no expiry date for the issued permits, which are non-transferable.

The new permits are not available at any household waste sites and applications must be made prior to any visit. Further information and application forms are available by calling the Info in Herefordshire Centres on 01432 260000.