THE council is introducing a “trade waste permit scheme” for its recycling centres across the region.

The new permit will allow Peeblesshire businesses to bin their waste at six of the council’s plants across the region, but not at the Selkirk site which only re-opened in July.

The new scheme is being introduced on a phased basis over seven weeks, starting on Monday, September 26, and the Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso, Duns, Eshiels, Eyemouth centres will all accept trade waste.

Traders will be able to access one recycling centre site per day between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

And they can also enter a recycling centre from 9am to 1.30pm on Saturdays on a trial basis, when they have the new “Recycling” or “Green, construction and recycling” permits.

SBC’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, Councillor David Paterson, told the Peeblesshire News: “I am pleased that the council has thought about the needs of local businesses and developed this new cost-effective and legally compliant option which aims to benefit smaller, mobile companies across the Borders.

“Businesses have a legal duty to produce, store, transport, and dispose of their business waste without harming the environment. Opening recycling centres to companies will also improve the range of trade waste services currently provided by the council,” he added.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience any delays may cause to site users over this period.”

For further information on the new permit scheme, visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/tradepermits or call 0300 100 1800.