Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority

Van warning as Recycling Centres prepare for Christmas and New Year delugue

21/12/2009

Wirral waste officers are reminding van drivers that they will need a Permit if they’re planning to use a Recycling Centre over Christmas.

In October Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA) launched a crackdown on illegal disposal of trade waste at its three Wirral Recycling Centres. The scheme means that anyone using a van or large trailer needs a permit to deposit household waste at West Kirby, Bidston and Clatterbridge HWRCs.

The scheme is designed to end abuse by commercial traders who avoid paying Landfill Tax by disposing items 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 Director, Carl Beer, said: “We get a lot of bulky material brought to our sites over and beyond Christmas and New Year, which is great – we want people’s items so they can be recycled. However, if people are planning to bring vans then they will need a Permit.”

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.

Ends

NOTE TO EDITORS

Two types of permits are available to Wirral residents. Every householder can apply for an Annual Permit. This covers frequently arising waste like garden waste, newspapers, cans etc. If you want to dispose of bulky household items (TVs, furniture, rubble etc) you will need a Temporary Permit. Both Permits are free.

It is easy to apply for a permit over the phone or on the website. Applicants should receive the permit by post within 1-3 days. Each Permit will contain the applicant’s name, address and the registration number of the vehicle they plan to use.

Wirral residents should ring 0151 236 0305 or log on to www.merseysidewda.gov.uk for more details and to get a permit.

MWDA is a local government body with nine elected members from the five constituent councils in Merseyside. It organises and manages disposal of all waste collected by the five councils and operates 14 Household Waste Recycling Facilities.

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