North Yorkshire Council considers stopping non-residents using tips

People are being asked for their views on options to reduce costs at North Yorkshire's household recycling centres

A council is considering stopping people from outside the county using its household recycling centres.

North Yorkshire Council said roughly one-in-six visitors to its 20 centres live outside the country boundary.

Restricting access would save the council about £140,000 a year, bosses said.

It is one of a number of options the public is being consulted on, as the council said it faces financial struggles.

Bosses said the council was feeling the impact of increased demand for services, climate change and the cost of living crisis.

Councils have a legal duty to provide household waste recycling centres, without additional charges for residents. The annual running costs of North Yorkshire's centres equates to about £5m, the council said.

Other options being considered to reduce costs include limiting commercial vehicles to 12 visits per year, which would yield annual savings of about £370,000 and reduce congestion at sites, the council said.

Cost-effective service

Commercial waste, which is a paid-for service, is currently accepted at all household waste recycling centres, except Harrogate Stonefall.

Councillor Greg White, executive member for waste services, said: "It is important that we continue to provide high-quality waste and recycling services for our residents and businesses, that doesn't have a detrimental impact on our overall costs and the offer we provide.

"By limiting access to North Yorkshire residents only, which would align with most of our neighbouring local authorities, we can ensure we continue to provide an excellent and cost-effective service for our residents.

"And by improving our service for commercial-like vehicles, as well as commercial waste, we can also ensure businesses would be charged an accurate and fair amount for their waste."

Mr White said before any decision was taken the council would listen to the views of residents and businesses.

People can give their feedback here. The deadline for submitting comments is 31 January.