A new registration scheme designed to improve access to North Yorkshire’s household waste recycling centres.
From Monday, April 27th, residents will need to register their name, address and vehicle before visiting any of the county’s 20 recycling centres.
The move will help to ensure the sites are used by North Yorkshire residents who fund the service, and reduce visits from those outside the county, which currently accounts for about one in six users and costs the taxpayer up to £400,000 a year.
Registration is free, takes a couple of minutes, and lasts for three years.
Residents can register online from April 27th and use the centres straight away.
Nothing will be sent in the post, and staff will check number plates on arrival.
Owners of commercial‑like vehicles (CLVs) will also be able to make up to 12 free visits per year to dispose of their own household waste once registered.
This change is designed to prevent the council from inadvertently accepting commercial waste free of charge, while still supporting residents who own larger vehicles.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, said:
“Introducing the registration scheme is an important step in protecting a service that residents value without creating additional cost to the taxpayer.
“It will help us to improve access, reduce misuse, and ensure we are operating the centres as efficiently and fairly as possible. Registration is quick, simple and lasts for three years.”
Residents can register online from April 27th at www.northyorks.gov.uk/hwrc
Those without internet access can call the council on 0300 131 2 131, or visit a library or council office for help.
The introduction of the scheme follows a detailed review and a 12‑week consultation, which received more than 3,000 responses. Of these, 69% supported restricting access to residents, and 61% backed limits for CLVs.
In 2024/25, the county’s recycling centres handled 64,500 tonnes of waste and received 1.6 million visits.
The new scheme is expected to support savings of up to £400,000 per year.
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