Van owners will soon have to book before visiting Nottinghamshire’s recycling centres as the council moves to tackle suspected trade waste abuse costing taxpayers millions.
Under the new rules, starting on January 2, 2027, residents using vans must reserve a slot online before arriving at a recycling centre.
Drivers will also have to re-register their vehicles and will be restricted to six visits a year.
Meanwhile, larger vehicles including Luton vans, box vans, flat-bed trucks and any vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tonnes will no longer be allowed on site.
The changes are part of a Nottinghamshire County Council crackdown on waste believed to be coming from businesses rather than households.
Trade waste is banned at recycling centres, but council figures suggest it could be putting major pressure on the county’s sites.
Data from 2024/25 shows Nottinghamshire handled 70% more garden waste, 75% more plasterboard, 86% more rubble and 63% more wood, chipboard and MDF than neighbouring Derbyshire.
The extra waste is estimated to have added £1.6 million to disposal costs.
From January 2027, van users will have to choose from one of three recycling centres operating on a daily rota. Each site will be available to van drivers every four days.
Anyone turning up without a booking will be refused entry.
The council says visitors will start receiving leaflets this autumn explaining the changes and how the new booking system will work.
Councillor Bert Bingham, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said the move was designed to protect services for local residents.
He said: “Our recycling centres are for Nottinghamshire residents to dispose of their household waste, and we have a responsibility to ensure they are used fairly and efficiently.
“Residents have told us their concerns about trade waste abuse at our recycling centres and we’re acting on this to improve the experience of visiting one of our sites.
“The amount of certain types of waste being brought to our sites could suggest that trade waste is placing increasing pressure on our centres, leading to residents being turned away and 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.”
Brilliamt way to encourage more fly tipping. Well done!!