A MOVE to crack down on businesses illegally dumping commercial waste “will cause chaos”, a leading councillor has warned.

Renfrewshire Council is to introduce a permit scheme at its five household waste recycling centres, meaning anyone driving a van, pick-up or minibus, as well as those who are towing a trailer, must register for a permit the day before they visit.

Permit holders will also have to ensure they take photo identification and proof of residency with them.

However, Councillor Eddie Devine, leader of Renfrewshire’s Labour group, has questioned the move, warning that it could “penalise” residents who want to get rid of their rubbish.

He said: “It will cause chaos. You have got to phone up the day before, so what are people going to do if they just turn up with stuff?”

Councillor Devine, who represents Paisley Southeast, admits the issue of businesses taking advantage of recycling centres to dispose of their waste is one that needs to be tackled.

But he has called on the local authority to do more to inform people of the change, which comes into force on July 16, so that members of the public and council workers aren’t left to suffer.

He added: “It’s a big problem with builders using the council as a free dump and something has to be done but it’s going to penalise ordinary folk trying to dump their rubbish because they won’t know about it.”

However, Councillor Natalie Don, who is depute convener of the infrastructure, land and environment policy board, has accused Mr Devine of hypocrisy.

She said: “I find it very hypocritical that the opposition would question these moves. Let us not forget that it was Councillor Devine, during the previous Labour administration, who downgraded the amenity sites in Renfrewshire, meaning that residents had to travel to Underwood Road to get rid of their waste.

“This move greatly inconvenienced local people and cost local taxpayers £350,000 to reverse.”

Meanwhile, council chiefs have said there will be a period where residents who turn up without a permit can complete a form so they can dump their rubbish.

A spokesman added: “The permit scheme has been brought in to stop commercial operators dumping their trade waste free of charge at centres designed for household waste.

“Not only is this illegal but it isn’t fair on the thousands of Renfrewshire residents who use the area’s five household waste recycling centres correctly.

“The changes bring us into line with other councils and have been widely communicated through a range of channels.

“As part of that we will continue to emphasise the permits do not apply to residents using a car – only those driving a van, pick-up, minibus or towing a trailer.

“To help residents get used to the new system, there will be an initial period where any residents who turn up in a commercial vehicle without a permit will be able to fill out the form at the recycling centre and staff will help them do that.

“As with any change to a service, it will inevitably take people a bit of time to adjust but, once they are used to the new scheme, our household waste recycling centres will be able to offer a better service for the people of Renfrewshire.”