Bedford Borough Council announces that the new vehicle registration system at Barkers Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) is already helping protect the service for local residents.
With more than 26,000 vehicles registered from over 21,500 homes in the first month, residents have found registering a vehicle quick and easy. The free online system replaces the previous permit process for some vehicles and materials, which could take up to ten working days to approve. Residents can register up to two vehicles to their Bedford Borough address, with cars and pickups registered for two years and vans for six months. Residents should continue to bring proof of their Bedford Borough address when visiting, as they may be asked to show it. This could be a driving licence, or a current Council Tax bill with photo identification showing their name.
Already a number of businesses, including a care home from Cambridge, have been turned away after attempting to use the HWRC rather than proper business waste routes. The Council has also spoken to landlords, property agents and other businesses who were unaware of how they should dispose of waste from their properties, helping them understand the rules and use the appropriate service.
Businesses should use commercial disposal services rather than routes intended for local residents. Bedford Borough Council offers commercial waste and recycling services for businesses: www.bedford.gov.uk/CommercialServices
People from outside the borough have also been directed to use HWRCs in the areas where they pay their Council Tax.
Councillor Nicky Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We are pleased that more than 26,000 vehicles have registered in the first month, and that residents have found the process easy to use. This system protects the HWRC for the Bedford Borough residents who pay for it.
“The previous permit system could take up to ten working days for some vehicles and materials. The new process is quicker and simpler for residents, while helping us stop businesses and people from outside the borough using a service funded by local taxpayers.
“We have already seen a reduction in misuse. Businesses, landlords and property agents who need to dispose of waste from their properties should use the proper commercial routes.”
Where a Bedford Borough resident is unable to visit the HWRC in person and needs support from someone outside the borough to take their household waste, they should contact Customer Services in advance. The Council can issue written permission for this.
Residents can register a vehicle, read the terms and conditions and find full information about the HWRC at www.bedford.gov.uk/HWRC