Set of six comical country sheep coasters by Claughton Images
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Waste Permits
Ian Cook
18 Feb 2005
Dear Sir,
I read with interest the letter from Mike Caton, regarding the recently-implemented “Permit System” for access to “Household Waste Recycling Centres” (as local tips are now known).
It appears that Durham County Council has imposed this system to prevent unscrupulous traders from using these domestic waste facilities to deposit commercial waste, which should be disposed of via the Trade Waste system (a chargeable service). Whilst I do not disagree with the aims of the Permit System, I take issue with its complexity.
Like many people who live “out in the sticks”, my only 4-wheeled transport is classed as a “commercial vehicle” by DCC. This classification includes anything which is not a standard car, such as vans, Land-Rovers, pick-ups, etc. and extends to any trailer pulled by a normal car. My small truck, like many others, is in private ownership, registered and insured for social and domestic use only and has no connection with any commercial enterprise.
Despite this, I can no longer pop into Middleton Tip on my way to the shops to drop off a couple of sacks of rubbish, as I have been used to doing for many years. I have to obtain a permit, which specifies exactly what I wish to dispose of and when, three days in advance.
I have spoken to the Mr John Shannon, who is in charge of the system and, although he was sympathetic to my problem, he told me that the aim of the Permit System was to prevent unauthorised and illegal use of Domestic Waste Disposal Facilities and this took precedence over any inconvenience to legitimate users of the facilities. However, he went on to state that the system was in a trial phase and will be reviewed in April.
I agree with Mike Caton’s sentiment that this is a sledgehammer to crack a nut and I would also suggest that it is a case of “the tail wagging the dog”, in the sense that over-compliance with legislation is putting service to the consumer in second place.
I have written to Mr Shannon to express my concerns and suggest ways in which the system may be made more “user-friendly”. I would urge anyone else who has been similarly inconvenienced to do the same. He can be contacted at the Waste Management Business Unit, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UQ, telephone 0191 3833093.
Yours faithfully,
Ian Cook