A NEW permit scheme at Durham County Council waste sites could lead to an increase in fly-tipping, district council members will hear next week.
Officers in Wear Valley expect illegal dumping to escalate because anyone who uses a trailer to take large items to an official waste tip must have a licence.
A report to next week's community services committee also says the district has taken more calls from people wanting bulky goods collected since the new rules were introduced in December.
This will add at least £5,000 to the council's costs, if overtime only is paid, but if the council has to hire an extra lorry and more staff the bill could rise to £42,000 a year.
Max Coleby, acting director of community services, said: "Extra costs are envisaged as a result of the implementation of the permit scheme due to the anticipated increase in fly-tipping incidents."
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