Apply for a waste permit
You will need to apply for a waste permit to visit a household recycling centre if:
- you want to use your free allowance for DIY waste disposal
- you're bringing asbestos
- you're travelling to the recycling centre in a:
- pick up
- van
- minibus (8 to 11 seats)
- flatbed truck
- vehicle with a trailer bigger than 0.9 metres x 1.2 metres
- you're travelling by foot
- you're disposing of waste on behalf of a charity, community group or local council
If more than one of these apply (for example you need to dispose of DIY waste in a van), we will add both details to one permit.
Apply for or renew a permit
You will need to register or log in to apply for or renew a permit.
Our online form changed in September 2025.
If you had an account before 16 September 2025, to get started you will need to create a new customer account.
After you've applied
After you've applied or renewed your permit:
- we will send your e-permit via email with a QR code
- you will need to show the QR code to site staff (either in electronic or paper format) before you can dispose of any waste
Permit requirements
View the permit requirements for each type of permit, including how long they last.
DIY waste is waste generated from your home or garden after you've done work to it.
This includes items such as:
- hardcore and rubble (for example tiles, bricks, stones, soil, turf)
- timber (for example fence or shed panels, door, skirting board)
- bathroom fittings (for example bath tub, tiles, toilet, taps, shower tray, sink)
- kitchen fittings (for example units, worktop, tiles, sink)
- plumbing and heating (for example boiler, log burner, radiator, fire place, pipes/guttering)
- roofing materials (for example insulation, roofing felt)
- windows and doors
- plasterboard (restrictions apply)
If you want to dispose of some DIY waste for free, you will need a permit.
How much you can dispose of for free
If you apply for a permit, you can visit a household recycling centre and dispose of either of the following for free:
- 2 x 50 litre bags worth of DIY waste
- 1 large item of DIY waste (2m x 0.75m x 0.7m)
These are examples of total size. You can bring waste in smaller bags or broken up but the staff on site will have the final decision on what is accepted.
If you have more DIY waste than the free allowance
If you have more DIY waste to dispose of than the amount that we accept for free, you can either:
- pay a fee to dispose of the extra DIY waste
- renew your permit after 7 days and bring the extra waste with you on another visit
How long the permit lasts
Permits are valid for 1 visit within 7 days.
Once the 7 days are up, you will be able to apply for another permit and dispose of more DIY waste for free.
If you're visiting the recycling centre in your car, you do not need a vehicle permit.
You will need a vehicle permit if you're visiting the recycling centre in a:
- pick up
- van
- minibus (8 to 11 seats)
- flatbed truck
- vehicle with a trailer bigger than 0.9 metres x 1.2 metres
Vehicles not allowed on site
For safety and capacity reasons these vehicles are not allowed at any site and will be turned away:
- a vehicle with more than 4 wheels unless a vehicle using the paid for trade waste service
- a vehicle weighing more than 7.5 tonnes
- a trailer larger than 2.4m long x 1.8m wide, up to 60cm high with a cover and excluding tow bar
- a vehicle with a tipper or tail lift mechanism unless a vehicle using the paid for trade waste service
- horseboxes
- tractors
How long the permit lasts
Permits are valid for 31 days (up to 90 days on renewal).
When removing the asbestos keep it damp. Do not saw it, cut it, break it or rub it in. Asbestos sheeting must be wrapped in accordance with HSE guidelines.
Double wrap it in 1000 gauge polythene (which can be purchased from any builders' merchants') and tape it up securely.
We will only accept asbestos where:
- it is bonded
- all wood, glass, plastic and metal has been removed
- it is double bagged and wrapped
It should be equivalent to either:
- 4 sheets (2.4m x 0.9m)
- 3 normal bin bags worth
Fees
Asbestos (1m x 1m) is £5.50.
Sites that accept asbestos
We only accept asbestos at these recycling centres:
How long the permit lasts
An asbestos waste permit lasts for 1 year and you are allowed 3 uses.
If you're bringing items to the recycling centre on foot instead of in a vehicle you will need a permit.
Permits are valid for 31 days (up to 90 days on renewal).
We allow charities or not-for-profit organisations to use our household recycling centres to dispose of waste and recycling:
These sites are only available to use from Monday to Friday.
They accept commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.
Before you apply for a permit
Before applying for a waste permit, charities should register as a waste carrier (GOV.UK).
You will need to show your waste carrier licence or exemption certificate along with your council issued waste permit at the household recycling centre.
How long the permit lasts
Permits are valid for 31 days (up to 90 days on renewal).