Household Recycling Centres (HRCs)

If you plan to visit a site with a van, pickup or trailer to dispose of your own household waste you will need a permit. Having a van, pickup or trailer isn't an exemption for bringing trade waste. Household Recycling Centres are for residents' household waste only.  

If you collect waste as part of a business or a fee is charged, this becomes commercial waste and you must use commercial waste disposal sites, not Household Recycling Centres. These are for the sole use of householders disposing of their own waste. If you use a Household Recycling Centre to dispose of commercial waste you are breaking the law. See the Hazardous and commercial waste page for more information.

You do not need a permit if you are a Blue Badge holder. You will be asked to show your Blue Badge to site staff on the premises.

We introduced a new electronic system in May 2024. If you still have a paper-based permit, you will need to reapply for a new electronic permit.

How you can register

You can Apply for a permit (iLforms) (opens new window) online. It can take up to two working days to receive your permit after applying. 

To register you will need the following information:

• your contact details and full postal address
• registration number of your van or pickup
• size of your trailer

You will be asked to pay a fee of £20 to enable us to administer the permit.

Apply for a permit (iLforms) (opens new window)

Using your permit

Upon a successful application we will issue your QR-code permit via email. The permit will grant you up to 12 visits per year.

If you do not have access to email you can contact Customer Services on 0300 456 0102.

We can provide a copy of your permit via post upon request.

You must show your permit to HRC staff to record your visit.

For more information about HRC permits, see our Frequently asked questions page.