More than 58,000 vehicles have now registered to use Kirklees waste tips under a controversial new permit scheme.
The clamour to register follows an angry response to the changes, which will come into operation from Monday (July 11).
The news comes as Calderdale Council announces an extension to its recycling services.
To be allowed to visit any of Kirklees’ five household waste and recycling centres, residents must now register their vehicle via the council’s website.
It takes around five minutes, and each household can register up to two vehicles. The registration plate becomes the permit number.
People without internet access can register by visiting a customer service centre, or by using a computer in a local library. Friends or relatives can also register on their behalf as long as they have all their details.
Kirklees Council has previously revealed to the Examiner that abuse of Kirklees’ waste tips by tradesmen and women is at the heart of the new registration rules.
Clr David Sheard, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We’re introducing a simpler online system where households register their vehicles to use our sites, so people no longer need to remember to bring a printed permit with them. The new scheme also means that only people living in Kirklees use our centres and that sites are not used illegally by companies disposing of trade waste.
“We’re encouraging as many people as possible to register before July 11, which will save time when people visit our sites.”
To register you’ll need your name, address, email address and the registration number of the vehicle, plus the make and model.
Cars are given immediate confirmation of registration, while large vehicles can take around three days. To register a large vehicle the owner will also need a copy of the V5 vehicle registration document.
From Monday (July 11), staff at recycling and waste centres will check vehicle registration numbers on a tablet computer. As long as you’re registered you’ll be able to unload your vehicle as normal.
People arriving at a centre without registering their vehicles could be turned away. But site staff will try to help people log on by using a smartphone with an internet connection.
Find out why Meltham's Colin Moss is angry about the permits
Staff have been handing out leaflets about the new system at the district’s recycling centres, which is thought to have contributed to longer waits than normal.
One complaint has been over a plan to limit people with vans to 12 visits to tips each year.
A council spokesman said: “We believe 12 visits represents a reasonable level of usage given the capacity of larger vehicles.
“We will also track the use of car permits to identify if they are being used abnormally and we will challenge these. Permits can be used as required, all in one month or spread over the year so they can match the growing season.
“Anyone producing large volumes of garden waste may also want to consider home composting as this may be a cheaper long-term solution. You can buy a subsidised composter online.”
For more information or to register visit the council’s website at www.kirklees.gov.uk/wastepermit
