NEW measures to restrict trade waste are being brought in at all Hampshire Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) next month. And they will include the use of CCTV cameras. But while Hampshire County Council sees it as a way of saving money, there are fears that it will lead to fly-tipping and illegal bonfires. HCC's argument is that it provides HWRCs so that the public can dispose of their household waste without charge. The licences issued by the Environment Agency prohibit the deposit of waste by traders who should use other alternative and licensed facilities. Despite this, 17 per cent of the waste delivered to HWRCs is estimated to be from traders, costing HCC up to £1 million annually. The new measures are designed to restrict commercial-type vehicles – defined as vans or vehicles with an open back, no rear seats or no rear window, and large trailers – from entering sites from February 14. However, the county council recognises that some householders only have access to a commercial- type vehicles for their domestic use, so a new free- of-charge permit scheme is being introduced, which will allow these householders to continue to access the HWRC network. Householders using normal cars and 4x4s will not need a permit. Permit holders' visits to an HWRC will be restricted to 12 over three years. Traders will not be allowed to apply for a permit, but will be given information on facilities where their waste will be accepted. Vehicles greater than 3.5 tonnes in weight, and trailers with a carrying capacity larger than 1.8m x 1.2m ( 6ft x 4ft) will also be denied access, as these create health and safety risks on small and congested sites, and are often used to transport trade waste. Alton is one of the waste centres to be earmarked for an automatic number plate recognition system (ANPR) to identify unauthorised dumping by traders. The effect of these new measures, which brings Hampshire in line with many other counties across the UK, will be to make sites quicker and easier to use for householders, giving greater clarity over who is allowed in and enabling site staff to focus on recycling the maximum tonnage possible from the waste. HCC executive member for environment, Mel Kendal, said: "The wrongful disposal of trade waste at HWRCs negatively impacts on this important public service by creating congestion and increasing disposal costs. By restricting it, householders should find the sites quicker and easier to use." But Alton Town Council's planning and transportation committee fear the restrictions will lead to an increase in fly tipping. "The danger is that while HCC will save money it will increase costs for East Hampshire District Council who are responsible for fly-tipping," points out Dave Crocker, adding that this cost would ultimately be passed on to the tax payer. Other concerns voiced during last Wednesday ATC planning meeting were that it may also lead to the burning of trade refuse, which will have a direct impact on the environment. Farringdon businessman David Williams also believes the new regulations will discourage recycling and could make fly-tipping more prevalent. As a maintenance engineer with a small business, Mr Williams drives a pick-up truck and has to take his trade waste to private dumps, which charge a fee. In the past, he has also used his truck to take household rubbish to the Alton waste centre, but in future, he will have to use his other car, a small Volkswagen hatchback, which he says is unsuitable. In the summer he generates a lot of green waste, hedge cuttings and tree branches from his garden, which would require several trips in the hatchback, instead of just one in his truck. "The most annoying thing is that somebody is dictating what vehicle I use to take my own rubbish to the tip that I pay tax for. "Of course, there is nothing to stop me parking outside and carrying my rubbish in, but I think people are going to be less inclined to take things down to the tip now. "Now I have to say to people I cannot take away their fence panels or whatever it may be, so I think fly-tipping will certainly continue." Hampshire householders who only have access to a commercial-type vehicle for their domestic waste can apply for permits now by calling Hantsdirect on 0845 603 5634 or visiting http://www.hants.gov.uk/">www.hants.gov.uk/ recycling
