Permits for Calderdale residents to be able to use their local waste and recycling centres are now being made available.

Earlier this year, Calderdale Council agreed to introduce a permit system as part of budget measures to cut out people who are not residents of the borough from using the sites.

It costs the council to dispose of waste and the system is being tried out to see if it will save money by ensuring only people living in Calderdale can use the sites.

Alongside the introduction of the resident permit, the van permit scheme that was in place pre-COVID will be reintroduced, meaning that any Calderdale residents visiting the recycling centres in a vehicle such as a van, twin axle trailer, or pick-up truck will be required to apply for a free van permit.

The council says residents are now able to apply for a free permit which will be required to access Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in the borough.

Calderdale Council manages the sites at Halifax, Todmorden, Sowerby Bridge, Brighouse and Elland, which operated by company Suez on the council’s behalf.

Residents can now apply for the permit at https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/waste by following the prompts on the resident permit page.

Alternatively, you can apply at your local library or Customer First office, with proof of identity, vehicle registration details and Council Tax reference number.

Every household will be able to apply for up to two permits and these will be linked to the resident via their council services account.

The permit process is automatic, and so once applied for, residents will receive an email with their permit which they can show on their phone straight away, or print, says the council.

The scheme will be fully implemented later this year, with reminders at each site.

Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and will need to continue to bring proof of address to HWRCs, if they have not yet applied for their permit.

Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Services, Ian Day, said: “We want to make sure that our sites are only being used by Calderdale residents.

“The introduction of a permit scheme follows similar measures already in place in neighbouring council areas and ensures that people using Calderdale sites, live in Calderdale.

“We’re launching the application forms now, before the full introduction of the scheme in autumn this year.

“It’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible, and remember if you haven’t yet acquired a permit, you need to bring proof of address to the site.

“Having a permit will make the process of visiting one of our HWRC sites more straightforward, saving time at each visit and keeping costs down.”

Reintroducing the van permit scheme will make it easier for Suez staff to identify residents disposing of household waste and recycling, as opposed to business waste which is required by law to be disposed of correctly at a licensed trade waste facility, says the council.