A pilot scheme which will allow trade waste to be disposed of is being launched at Saffron Walden recycling centre.

The initiative, which also takes place at Braintree, started today (Monday, January 20) and will continue until Friday, April 11.

Businesses are currently prohibited from using recycling centres to dispose of trade waste, as they are only meant to be used for household waste. The pilot scheme will allow for the disposal of trade waste under a ‘pay as you throw’ system.

County councillor Roger Walters, cabinet mMember for Waste & Recycling, said: “The purpose of this pilot scheme is to determine whether there is demand for trade waste facilities at our recycling centres, which would be of value to local businesses while removing the costs to the county council for disposing of commercial waste.

“We hope that as many local traders as possible take advantage of this trial, and we would appreciate their feedback on the scheme.”

Traders who wish to use the service will be charged a fee depending on the size of their vehicle and the type of waste they wish to dispose of, which can be paid over the phone when they visit the centre.

Traders will be issued with a waste transfer note (Duty of Care) and staff will be on hand to provide support, advice and guidance on how traders can better manage their waste and comply with relevant waste legislation.

The service will be available during opening hours on Monday to Friday (9am to 4pm until February 28, and 9am to 5pm from March 1). Trade waste will not be accepted outside of these hours or on Saturdays and Sundays.

Full details of the charges will be available to view at essex.gov.uk/recyclingcentres.

The results of the trial will determine whether the county council seeks to develop a trade waste disposal service countywide.