The permits scheme for a commercial vehicle and trailer to take rubbish and recycling to the county's household recycling centres is changing and comes into force on October 1.

Commercial vehicle and trailer permits were introduced in 2007 to prevent the use of household recycling centres by traders depositing their business waste, putting extra pressure on the centres, causing congestion and at a cost to the council tax payers of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

CVT permits are available free of charge to county residents who wish to deposit household waste from their own domestic property. Each household is able to apply for up to 12 permits per year (April to March). Permits will be issued on a pro-rata basis, allowing one permit per calendar month.

For example, an application made in October will be issued with six permits. Each permit allows one visit. Permits will be retained by site staff upon entry.

Householders can make as many visits as they like in a private car, car and small trailer (up to 1.3 metres in length), caravanette, people carrier or minibus. For details on restricted vehicles please visit www.letswasteless.com.

Permits obtained prior to changes coming into force will no longer be valid as from January 1, 2014. All existing applicants will need to apply through the updated scheme to avoid being turned away at the recycling centre.

All applications for permits must be made in advance. Residents should allow up to 10 working days to receive permits in the post.

Any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes or double axle trailers will not be permitted to use household recycling centres.

Anthony Blagg, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for environment said: "The permit scheme has been around for a number of years and is a way to tackle illegal disposal of trade waste at our recycling centres, which would otherwise cost the council and ultimately the tax payers."

Applications for commercial vehicle and trailer permits can be made through www.letswasteless.com. Anyone unable to apply online can call 0845 607 2007 for assistance or application forms will be available at all Worcestershire Hub contact centres / Info in Herefordshire Contact Centres.

Commercial waste can be disposed at private disposal sites in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, which normally accept waste on a chargeable basis. Details of these sites can be found in the yellow pages or by visiting www.wastedirectory.org.uk