From today (2 April), all Bath and North Somerset (Bathnes) residents will need an electronic Recycling Centre Resident’s Permit to enter the three local recycling centres, as part of an effort to stop non-residents from using the facilities.
Residents can apply for the free, three-year permits online or by phone (Council Connect on 01225 39 40 4) and once registered, will be able to gain access to the Pixash, Keynsham, Midland Road, Bath and Old Welton, Radstock centres, after passing vehicle plate cameras.
Only one person per household needs to apply for the permit, but it can cover several vehicles. However, a single vehicle cannot be registered on more than one permit.
By registering, vehicle licence plates will be recognised electronically when residents drive into the centres. No physical permit is required.
Those who have a van permit or a council-issued Discovery Card need not apply for a separate Recycling Centre Resident’s Permit.
Camera system will ‘save time and money’
Bath & North East Somerset Council has said the 'new, fairer' scheme 'should ensure [residents] save time and money', will 'reduce queuing times' and will make the system 'fairer for all' as currently the council pays a 'significant' amount of money for the sites, which are currently used by some non-residents.
According to the council the move toward the electronic permits was necessary, as it could not afford to subsidise the cost of disposing waste belonging to people who live elsewhere. It is hoped the new scheme will save the council £60,000.
Speaking of the new system, a council spokesperson said “The process is free and one person from each household needs to supply the registration numbers of all the vehicles you wish to use on your permit.
"The permits are electronic and the cameras will recognise the residents' entitlement to use the centre from their number plate.
“Once fully implemented anyone not registered may be turned away”, he added.
Over the next few months, staff at the centres will be handing out leaflets explaining the changes and will be allowed to use their discretion to allow non-registered people to use the site.
Find out more about the Bathnes Recycling Centre Resident's Permit.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.