Newry, Mourne and Down District Council say they have suspended ID requests for people visiting its amenity sites but insist staff will still “interact with users” to ensure waste received is from residents living within the district.
The response comes following a story on Armagh I whereby a Keady resident was warned he faced a fine after visiting the recycling centre on the Newry Road in Newtownhamilton over the weekend.
He claimed Newtownhamilton amenity staff requested proof of address when he entered the site on Saturday morning.
He added: “I was asked for a postcode and address and advised by staff had been told by their ‘boss’ to refuse anyone from neighbouring council areas.
“I told the staff member I pay my rates and would be dropping off my recycling in the allocated skip. I was then told my registration would be recorded and a fine issued.”
In response, a spokesperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “Disposing of the waste the Council collects in Household Recycling Centres (HRC) carries a cost which is borne by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council ratepayers. Accepting significant levels of waste from another district increases costs.
“In recent weeks, the level of use at the Council’s HRC sites has significantly increased. While the Council has suspended requesting identification, HRC staff will continue to interact with site users to ensure any refuse received is from residents living within the district and meets the Council’s Waste Acceptance Policy.
“The Council requests that householders ensure all waste is separated into the appropriate recycling streams as it may not be accepted, and that members of the public co-operate with and respect the HRC staff as they carry out their duties.
“The Council may issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for littering and in the event of illicit dumping at locations across the district including HRC sites.
“For further information, please visit: https://www.newrymournedown.org/hrc.”
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