Most sites were removed at the end of 2016 after concerns that they were being abused by businesses who were using them to dispose of commercial waste.

A consultation also found more than 95 per cent of respondents would use alternative recycling services such as the household recycling services, other recycling centres, or charity shops, if their local bring site was closed.

Six bring sites were retained, at Grasmere Close car park, High Bentham, Main Street car park, Embsay, Glusburn Institute car park, Glusburn, Whitefriars car park, Settle, Community Centre car park, Ingleton, and Coach Street car park, Skipton.

However, the council has monitored the remaining sites and found that they are still being used by businesses who then avoid paying for commercial waste disposal.

Wyn Ashton, Environmental Services & Housing Manager at Craven District Council, said: "All our residents have the opportunity to use our doorstep recycling service since the extension of kerbside collections of glass, plastic, cans, paper and card to all properties in Craven in February 2010.

"Businesses should be paying for their own collection and disposal of waste and recycling. However it is clear that a number of businesses continue to abuse these bring sites, meaning that the council has to spend tax-payers' money on extra collections at the sites.

"Some residents are also using the sites to dispose of residual household waste, and electrical and electronic equipment, which should be disposed of at Household Waste Recycling Centres."

The proposals are to remove all bring sites from the district from January 20, 2018, with the exception of Embsay.

Councillors agreed that if a request is made by Embsay Parish Council for the retention of the existing bring site then the request should be granted, subject to Craven District Council reclaiming the cost of container hire and collection. There will be further discussions with Embsay Parish Council.

Notices will be placed at all bring sites warning residents of the removal date, and alternative methods of disposing of recycling and waste. The closed sites will be monitored to deal with any fly-tipping issues that may arise.