Recycling centre entry permits

Important note: Recent changes to the permit system.

Are you planning to take any household waste to one of Shropshire Council's household recycling centres in a trailer or commercial-type vehicle? If so, you may need to apply for an entry permit. Certain types of vehicles are now prohibited from using these sites.

How does the permit scheme work?
Entry permits are free to people living in the Shropshire Council area. Each permit entitles the applicant to one site visit using a trailer or commercial type vehicle. Permits will be checked by the site attendant who also checks that the waste is from your home. A permit doesn't entitle you to tip or recycle trade waste.

Why have permits?
The permits are intended to help prevent the illegal use of the sites for the disposal of trade waste. The sites cannot accept any commercial or industrial waste, or any waste carried for commercial gain. Anyone who tips this type of waste at the sites is breaking the law and may be prosecuted.

The new permit scheme

Since Monday 2 November 2009 new safety regulations have banned some vehicles or trailers which are too large or unsuitable to use the HRCs (whether or not a permit has been provided). All commercial-type vehicles within the size limits described below, minibuses and camper vans and four wheel drive vehicles with goods or pick up bodies require entry permits to use the sites.

Trailers

a) Trailers no larger than 1 square metre clear loading area can use the sites without the need for a permit (note: this is roughly equivalent to a 1.2m x 0.9m or approx 4 ft x 3 ft trailer).

b) Trailers larger than 3 square metre clear loading area may be allowed access to the site at the least busy times (after 5pm Mon to Fri (3pm in winter) excluding Bank Holidays) for deposit of compostable garden waste only (note: this is equivalent to 2m x 1.5m or approx 7ft x 5ft trailer).

c) Trailers between these sizes can continue to use the sites but with a permit.

d) Our contractors, Veolia Environmental Services, in agreement with the council will have discretion to make marginal adjustments to these sizes to allow a ‘fit’ with common sizes of trailer.

Vans and other commercial-type vehicles

• All vehicles over 5m long, and commercial type vehicles over 2.1 m high are not allowed to use the HRCs.
• Commercial type vehicles less than 5m long and 2.1 m high, owned or borrowed by the user, and camper vans less than 5 m long will be allowed to use the HRCs on production of a valid permit.
• Hired vans less than 5m long and 2.1m high on hire for less than a week are allowed to use Shropshire Council HRCs but the hire documents must be brought to the HRC.
• Permits are required for four wheel drive vehicles if the vehicle has a goods or pick up type body, or if is without side windows and seats in the rear.
• All other commercial-type vehicles will not be allowed access to the sites, including but not limited to Luton box vans, tipper vehicles, horse boxes, agricultural and similar large vehicles.

Number of permits provided

Up to 12 permits can be issued to an address every 12 months. This means that anyone issued with 12 permits after November 2009 cannot have any more until 12 months after their initial application.

How do I get a permit?

The best way is to apply online by completing the online application form - please follow the link to find and complete the form. You can also:

• print and complete the PDF form that is attached to this page - then post it to us
• call us on 0345 678 9007

Once your application has been received, we will post the permits to you. You must apply in advance for permits, which are normally issued in batches of 12 for a vehicle or trailer owned by the applicant, or in batches of 4 for borrowed or hired vehicles and trailers. Permits cannot be issued at household recycling centres.

Important note

The vehicle must be driven by the applicant. Applications cannot be made on behalf of other persons such as traders employed by yourself to undertake work.

Why have the rules been changed ?

We had to improve safety at the sites by banning larger vehicles and trailers. This should also help to reduce congestion at the sites. Also tackling the illegal disposal of trade waste helps to improve recycling and reduces disposal costs for the tax payer. The new rules will make it harder for businesses to use the sites but easier for genuine customers using cars and small trailers.

Data protection statement
Shropshire Council will hold your information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and will only use it for the purpose of processing your request for an entry permit. It will be retained for a maximum of two years, from the receipt of the application. If you wish to change any of the details in the application form or wish to delete your details then please contact us.

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