New rules aimed at preventing the illegal dumping of trade and commercial materials come into force next month.

People visiting household waste recycling centres (HWRC) in County Durham in a van, pick-up or trailer already need to apply in advance for a free waste permit to use the site.

From Wednesday, 1 August, these rules will also apply to anyone wishing to enter the sites with a minibus or campervan.

In addition, a maximum of three permits will be issued per application.

Flatbed vans and livestock vehicles such as horseboxes will no longer be allowed to use the centres.

The new rules follow a review of HWRCs by Durham County Council earlier this year.

The changes to the permit scheme will help reduce the amount of trade and commercial waste entering the sites, which are provided for the recycling and disposal of household waste.

Landlords are also reminded that permits will not be issued to them for the disposal of waste from tenanted properties.

For more information about the waste permit scheme, call 0300 026 1000 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/householdpermit