THERE are no plans to issue permits instead of requiring visitors to a household recycling centre to show ID to prove they live locally.
The requirement to show identification to dump recyclable items was introduced from September 1, in response to evidence of use by non-residents, which a council said was increasing costs and how much time people have had to queue.
In May, photographs showed mounds of items waiting to be sorted at Torfaen’s household recycling centre in New Inn, with the council blaming a boom in items being brought for recycling, coinciding with closures UK-wide of sites that handle materials such as household furniture.
At the time, the situation at the Panteg Way centre was described as “unbelievable”, the bay for wood and timber was filled with items waiting to be sorted and no room for any more items to be deposited.
At Torfaen Borough Council’s September meeting, independent councillor Janet Jones asked if the council would consider alternatives to its ID dictate, which requires anyone using the site to produce a proof of address, such as a driver’s licence, a recent utility or council tax bill.
The Blaenavon councillor said: “I am concerned on behalf of residents that not everyone will carry ID with them, which could result in access being refused.”
ANPR system
She suggested the council consider issuing residents with passes or using a system such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to confirm those bringing unwanted items to the site live within Torfaen.
But Cllr Sue Morgan, the Labour cabinet member responsible for waste and recycling, said a permit system would be more costly and reminded councillors that while people bringing items to New Inn must be able to show they live locally, they don’t have to make an appointment as they would in many other parts of Wales.
Cllr Morgan said: “Permit systems were also considered, and they have been trialled by local authorities such as Monmouthshire; however no Welsh authority now operates permits due to the difficulties and the costs associated with administering a permit system.
“Indeed, all Welsh authorities have instead opted for ID checks and or a booking system.
“All local authorities now reserve the right to ask for ID and 12, of the 22, also have a booking system. As you know, we don’t have a booking system, but in Torfaen our ID checks came into effect on September 1 and all of the feedback suggests they are working well, with the majority of residents being able to present identification when asked.”
Cllr Morgan said the council will continue to monitor the system is “effective” and would work with any residents facing difficulties.
She also said the recycling site does have an ANPR system, “to monitor traffic flow” but it couldn’t be linked to the DVLA database to check addresses and couldn’t therefore be used for verification.
Cllr Jones thanked Cllr Morgan for her response, which she said was “really good to hear” and said should if residents contact her, she would follow up with the cabinet member.