FROM April 1 Poole residents will need a permit to use the town’s household waste recycling centre if they arrive by van.

By introducing a permit scheme for privately owned vans at the Nuffield Road tip, Borough of Poole aims to reduce waste disposal costs and the illegal use by commercial operators.

It is estimated that the cost to Poole residents of disposing of waste delivered in vans could be £162,000 a year.

“A significant number of the visits made to the HWRC (household waste recycling centre) are by commercial vehicles with the intent of disposing of waste generated by commercial activity,” said Cllr Xena Dion, Borough of Poole cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole.

“The cost of disposing of this waste is currently being met by Poole council tax payers.

“Disposing of commercial waste in this way is illegal. Commercial vans can continue to use the commercial waste disposal site located next to the HWRC, where there is a minimum charge of 100kg in weight.”

The van permit scheme is free for Poole residents whose only vehicle is a small van or pick up and it can be used up to six times a year with no expiry date from the date of issue.

Permits will be issued within four working days from application and can be collected from the information point at the HWRC.

To apply for a permit online or for more information visit poole.gov.uk/nuffield or call 01202 261700.