Greater Manchester recycling centres will introduce new rules requiring visitors to prove they live in the region from January. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is bringing in the change after an increase in people from outside the area using the tips.
Anyone using a tip will need to show a driver's licence or other document confirming they live at a local address. During the initial soft launch, people will not be turned away for not having proof of their address, but will be issued a reminder to bring proof on their next visit.
Concerns over queues and fly-tipping
Councillor Peter Crossen, Conservative councillor for Bramhall South and Woodford, said the new system would create "passport-style queues at tips" and lead to frustration. He described the measure as "a bit of bureaucratic nonsense".
Councillor David Meller, Labour councillor for Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North, raised concerns that the system could increase fly-tipping if it makes accessing tips more difficult. He said: "If it makes it a little more of a rigmarole to access a tip then my worry is whether it's going to increase fly-tipping in areas."
Pat Walsh, a resident near the recycling centre on Sandfold Lane in Levenshulme, said she would be worried if the new rules discouraged people from using the tip. "There's already a major issue in terms of fly-tipping," she said.
Jeremy Hoad, also from Levenshulme, expressed concern that some people would avoid the checks and dispose of rubbish illegally instead.
Why the rules are being introduced
The GMCA report stated that Greater Manchester "experienced an uplift of visitor numbers" to a tip in Adswood, Stockport, after the closure of three tips in Cheshire in 2024. The authority says the new rules are needed to prevent people from neighbouring counties using Greater Manchester's free recycling centres.
Greater Manchester's household waste recycling centres are free to use for all residents living in the combined authority's boroughs, except Wigan, which is part of the Greater Manchester waste disposal authority. Wigan already operates a system whereby residents must provide proof of their address in order to use its recycling centres.
Accepted proof of address
Driving licences will be the favoured form of proof, but other specified forms of photo ID will be accepted alongside documents such as utility bills.