CHANGES to household waste recycling centres are coming into force in February to improve services for residents, says Recycling for Greater Manchester.
The leaflet says: “We are making changes to how we run household waste recycling centre that will improve the service we provide for residents.
“These changes will help increase recycling across Greater Manchester, stop the illegal use of household waste recycling centre by traders and other businesses, reduce queuing at busy times, help businesses understand their legal obligations when disposing of waste, and help us to monitor visitor numbers to stop illegal use by traders.”
The changes include an annual visit allowance for residents, dependent on the type of vehicle used, to deter businesses from using the household waste recycling centres.
The leaflets state: “The limit will still give you plenty of access to dispose of and recycle your household waste.
“The purpose of the limit is to stop businesses using household waste recycling centres, not prevent residents from visiting.”
The allowances per year, which will be introduced in February, are:
• Cars and cars with single axle trailers – 52
• Cars with a double axle trailer – 18
• Vans up to 3.5 tonne gross vehicle weight – 18
• Vans above 3.5 tonne gross vehicle weight – 12
These apply to all Greater Manchester’s household waste recycling centres and if you use more than one centre, all your visits count towards your total allowance.
Automatic number plate recognition systems have been installed to monitor the number of times each vehicle has used the household waste recycling centre.
If you are using a hire vehicle, please bring your hire documents with you, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill.
If you are recycling rubble from a DIY project, you are allowed to bring five average-sized (approximately 900mm x 600mm) rubble sacks or bags per visit.
You can recycle and dispose of almost 40 different types of items at the centre. Please separate your waste and recycling at home first.
If you are having building work done to your house by a trader, they are legally responsible for removing the waste. They should factor the cost of this into their quote and charge you accordingly.
It is your responsibility to make sure they have a valid waste carrier’s licence and that they provide details of where the waste will be taken for disposal.
Meanwhile, traders and businesses are reminded it is illegal to dispose of trade or business waste at any household waste recycling centres.
They must provide a waste transfer note for every load that leaves their premises, take waste to a licensed waste facility or use a commercial waste collection service.
For more information, visit the Recycle for Greater Manchester website: www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com