Caerphilly County Borough Council says it is seeing “positive results” after implementing a “proof of residency” rule at its household waste recycling centres (HWRC).
On 1 April this year a new “proof of residency” rule was introduced for all visitors to the council’s HWRCs.
The new rule was implemented with an aim of “preventing the misuse” of council sites by non-residents of the Caerphilly county borough.
It also announced plans, amid ongoing financial pressures, to reduce opening hours at four centres and to also introduce a fee for its bulky waste collection service – a charge of £16 for the collection of 1 to 3 items.
The changes came as a result of the council’s £15.6 million savings requirement for 2019/20. A major public consultation exercise was undertaken by the council on proposed savings, including those affecting household recycling centres and the bulky waste collection service.
We believe that our council tax payers should not have to foot the bill for non-residents, which is why this new rule was introduced.
Following public consultation, a proposal to permanently close two household recycling centres was deferred for further consideration.
The council now says it is already seeing a “significant reduction” in the amount of general waste deposited at its sites since the proof of residency rule was introduced.
Figures for June 2019 saw 952 fewer tonnes of waste deposited at the council’s household waste recycling centres, when compared to the same period in 2018.
This equates to a 33% reduction in waste and a saving to tax payers of almost £60,000, the council says.
Cllr Nigel George, the council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We understand that any change is unsettling and involves a period of transition; I’d like to personally thank residents for their patience and cooperation during these changes.
“We believe that our council tax payers should not have to foot the bill for non-residents, which is why this new rule was introduced. Some of the sites seeing the largest reductions are those located on the edge of the county borough, which demonstrates the amount of use previously by residents of neighbouring authorities.”