Council to take firmer stance at recycling centres

A council said it will take a firmer stance on the use of household waste and recycling centres.

Southend-on-Sea City Council said it was insisting that the city's recycling centres be only used by residents.

Lydia Hyde, a Labour councillor and cabinet member for climate, environment and waste at the authority, said: "Our new partner SUEZ has had to turn away vehicles carrying commercial waste and drivers unable to show valid ID or proof of residence in Southend."

The authority added it was working to ensure commercial waste could no longer be deposited at Stock Road and Leigh Marshes recycling centres.

The Stock Road and Leigh Marshes sites are designed to help residents safely dispose of recyclable materials and household waste that is unable to be collected at the kerbside.

Ms Hyde said drivers who were unable to show proof of residence in the city "contributed to queuing" and "blocked access" to the centres.

"We welcome residents who can provide the required ID, proof of identity and address, such as a driving licence or council tax bill, so they can efficiently access and use the sites," she added.

Vehicles carrying commercial waste should expect to be refused entry and contents of commercial-type vehicles will be checked, the authority added.

Ms Hyde said: "As part of the upgrades, we're installing new automatic number plate recognition cameras, CCTV and webcams, which will allow residents to check site access via the council's website."

The council has been overseeing the development of both sites to help improve the processing of waste across the city.

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