Residents in Mid and East Antrim using vans as their only transport, double-axle trailers, or horse boxes will need a permit to visit the borough's main household recycling centres from Monday 19 October. The new system applies to Waveney Road in Ballymena, Sullatober in Carrickfergus, and Redlands in Larne.

Permits are also required for commercial businesses, community groups, charitable organisations, and landlords using the facilities. The council says these users, and residents with qualifying vehicles, must book visits in advance through an online system.

Residents in private cars, with or without a single-axle trailer, do not need a permit or booking.

The free household permit is available only to Mid and East Antrim ratepayers. Each household using a van is entitled to up to 12 booked visits per year, with additional visits reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The council says the changes aim to reduce unauthorised use, particularly by commercial businesses, and to help meet recycling targets and reduce waste sent to landfill.

Rowan Moore, the council's Director of Place, said there has been a steady rise in "waste tourism" from people outside the borough using the recycling centres. This has meant ratepayers have been bearing the cost of waste disposal for non-residents.

"The new permit system and booking platform will allow us to manage unauthorised usage of the HRCs, meet the requirement to reduce waste going to landfill and improve the recycling services we provide," Moore said in a statement.

The council advises anyone in an affected category planning to use the centres from Monday 19 October to check requirements and apply online ahead of their visit. Information is available on the council website.

Key points: - Permits and bookings required for vans as only transport, double-axle trailers, horse boxes, and commercial/community users. - Private cars and single-axle trailers exempt. - Free permits for ratepayers, 12 visits per year for van households. - Apply online via council website. - Effective 19 October at Waveney Road, Sullatober, and Redlands. - Aims to cut unauthorised use and waste tourism, reduce landfill, and improve recycling.