New van rules for tips to tackle 'trade waste abuse'

A new booking system at recycling centres in Nottinghamshire will be introduced for van owners.

From 2 January, van owners will need to re-register to book an appointment to visit recycling centres, with drops limited to six visits a year.

Nottinghamshire County Council said the amount of "certain types of waste" being taken to its sites suggested some were using them for trade waste, which is not accepted.

The authority said the new system was part of plans to tackle "trade waste abuse".

Council data from 2024-2025 suggested the amount of garden waste, plasterboard, rubble, wood and other materials were much higher at its sites than across the border in Derbyshire, the authority said, costing it an additional £1.6m in disposal costs.

Bert Bingham, cabinet member for environment, said: "The amount of certain types of waste being brought to our sites could suggest that trade waste is placing an increased pressure on our sites that leads to residents being turned away as well as creating higher disposal costs.

"By introducing a booking system for vans and limiting the number of visits each year, we can better manage demand, tackle abuse and help ensure our recycling centres remain accessible and sustainable for residents to use."

As part of the rules, Luton vans, box vans, flat beds and any vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes in gross vehicle weight will be added to the list of prohibited vehicles from 2 January.

When the new rules come in, residents with vans will have to book an appointment online and choose from three sites available on any given day with each centre available every four days on a rota system.

Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.