PLANS by Wiltshire Council to ask people dumping their rubbish for proof of address could encourage more fly-tipping, it was claimed this week.

The new policy is being introduced at household recycling centres from Monday, April 9. People may be asked for ID each time they visit the sites, although allowances will be made while the changes are being introduced.

Charlotte Hunt, in Melksham, criticised the move on a social media site, saying: “I don’t see why they’re doing this.

“I totally get the need to keep track of people using it for business rubbish. However, surely they would realise it may egg on people to fly tip as some people may find it hassle having to prove it every time.”

Local farmers are already concerned about the impact of fly-tipping on farmland, in gateways and in laybys in their areas.

One farm manager, who declined to be named, said: “Some people will drive from Melksham past the HRC at Bowerhill to dump their rubbish in the countryside. This new policy is just going to make things worse.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “Identification that shows the visitor’s name and full address will be required, and acceptable examples include a driving licence, council tax bill, utility bill or a van and large trailer permit issued by Wiltshire Council – digital versions of council tax or utility bills are also acceptable.

“Visitors to the sites may be asked for their ID each time they visit. The site operators will not record or keep this information; they will only ask to see a proof of address.

“While the changes are being introduced, visitors who turn up to the site without any form of ID will be allowed to tip their waste on that occasion and will be provided with further information on the changes if required.

“Dealing with waste is becoming increasingly expensive and, as these HRCs are funded by Wiltshire Council for use by our residents, we need to ensure that we do not incur the additional costs associated with managing waste from people who live in other council areas. All local authorities are working to manage their costs in times of financial restraint and we recognise that some neighbouring authorities already have proof of address schemes at their HRCs in order to help them do this.

“People who do not pay their council tax to Wiltshire Council should use the sites provided in their own local authority areas. We do not anticipate an increase in fly-tipping as a result of these changes, but we will continue to monitor the situation, as we always do.”

“Easy enough for me to take proof with me and I’m happy enough to do that but a small minority may not. Shouldn’t they leave things as they are because it should be enough that people are recycling and not fly-tipping. I really don’t see the benefit?”

In another post, Jo Dickie said: “Thought this was already in place? It’s to stop people from other towns using different recycling centres.

“I know it says already online that you may be asked for proof of address as when we hired a van to tip old furniture we had to take extra bits just in case we were asked.”