Apply for a waste permit
You will need to apply for a waste permit to visit a household recycling centre if you:
- want to dispose of DIY waste using your free allowance
- are bringing asbestos
- are visiting a household recycling centre in a pick-up van, minibus (8 to 11 seats), flatbed truck or a vehicle with a trailer larger than 0.9 metres by 1.2 metres
- are visiting a recycling centre on foot
- are disposing of waste on behalf of a charity, community group or local council
Apply for or renew a permit
You need a customer account to apply for or renew a permit.
If you previously used the waste permit service and have not created a customer account since 16 September 2025, you will need to create one before applying.
After you've applied
We will email your permit as a QR code.
If your visit requires more than one permit, we will email all of them to you. For example, if you're bringing DIY waste in a van, you'll receive both a DIY waste permit and a vehicle permit.
You must show all relevant permits to site staff before you dispose of any waste. You can show them on your device or bring printed copies.
Update your vehicle details
If you're using a different vehicle from the one on your permit, you can update your vehicle details.
You'll need the permit reference number from your confirmation email for your existing permit.
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.
Free allowance
Each permit allows you to dispose of either:
- up to 2 bags of DIY waste (50 litres each)
- 1 large item of DIY waste up to 2m by 0.75m by 0.7m
Site staff will make the final decision on what can be accepted.
If you exceed your DIY waste allowance
You can:
- pay to dispose of additional DIY waste
- apply for another permit after 7 days and make a further visit
Fees for extra DIY waste
Permit duration
The permit is 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.
You do not need a permit if you are visiting in a car.
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
The following vehicles are not allowed at household recycling centres:
- vehicles with more than 4 wheels, unless using the trade waste service
- vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes
- trailers larger than 2.4m long by 1.8m wide and 60cm high, excluding the tow bar
- vehicles with a tipper or tail-lift mechanism, unless using the trade waste service
- horseboxes
- tractors
Permit duration
The permit is valid for 31 days and can be renewed for up to 90 days.
We accept bonded asbestos only. All wood, glass, plastic and metal must be removed before bringing it to a recycling centre. Asbestos must be wrapped in line with HSE guidance and double wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene secured with tape.
Do not cut, break, saw or rub asbestos. Keep it damp while handling it.
You can bring up to:
- 4 sheets measuring 2.4m by 0.9m
- 3 standard bin bags of asbestos waste
Charges
Asbestos costs £5.80 per square metre.
Recycling centres that accept asbestos
We only accept asbestos at these recycling centres:
Permit duration
The permit is valid for 1 year and can be used 3 times.
You need a permit to bring waste to a household recycling centre on foot.
The permit is valid for 31 days and can be renewed for up to 90 days.
Charities and other not-for-profit organisations can use the following household recycling centres:
Permits can only be used from Monday to Friday. Commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes are accepted.
Before you apply for a permit
Before applying for a waste permit, charities should register as a waste carrier (GOV.UK).
When visiting the recycling centre, you must bring:
- your waste carrier licence or exemption certificate
- your council-issued waste permit
Permit duration
The permit is valid for 31 days and can be renewed for up to 90 days.