A scheme which prevents householders using trailers or vans to dump rubbish without first applying for a permit is saving Durham County Council £1m.

But district and borough councils claim they will be left to bear the increased costs of providing extra waste collection services and an expected rise in fly tipping.

The system, introduced in December last year, means householders must apply for a free permit if they want to use a trailer, van, truck or other commercial vehicle to dump domestic or garden rubbish at any of the county's 17 civic amenity sites.

However, a separate permit is needed for every load deposited.

Wear Valley District Council has written to the county to ask for a meeting over issue.

District officials say there has already been an increased demand on its bulky goods collections services. Max Coleby, acting director of community services, said: "The council could be looking at pulling out an extra £5,000 per annum for overtime and a further £42,500 per annum if extra vehicle and crew are required to meet the demand for the collection of bulky goods.'' A spokesman for Easington District Council said it was also pressing for a review. "Between December 2003 and March 2004 there were 198 fly tipping incidents in the district. "In the same period this year, since the permit scheme was introduced, there were 234 incidents - a significant increase." Sedgefield Borough Council and Durham City Council have both said they expect an increase in fly tipping. The permit system is designed stop workmen dumping commercial waste at its household sites to avoid paying charges. Householders can still take house and garden rubbish to the sites free of charge in their cars and private vehicles, such as fully-glazed jeeps. Brian Myers, the county's cabinet member for waste management said: "If we left the misuse of our household waste recycling sites unchecked it would cost us, and therefore the council tax payer, an extra £1million in the current financial year. "If the district councils can come up with an alternative way of avoiding the misuse of the sites and save us £1m we would like to hear it.'' * Anyone wanting a permit can call the council on 0191-3835656 or e-mail www.durham.gov.uk/enviornment/permit. They are also available at libraries.