You need a permit for your van, pick-up or towing trailer over 1.52metres (5 feet) to go to the recycling centre.

It's illegal to bring business, trade or construction waste to the recycling centres.

You must get a permit for your van or trailer and trailer over 1.52 metres (5 feet).

There are different rules for hire vans and trailers.

Conditions of use:

  • Owner must live in the Bristol City Council area.
  • Waste must be from your own home.
  • You cannot get a permit for a business vehicle.

How it works

The permit allows:

  • disposal of household waste only
  • 12 visits within 12 months of issue date
  • cancellations must be made 2 hours before the booking, if you don't cancel the visit will contribute to your annual quota

Details of what you can and can't dispose of at the Reuse and Recycling Centres.

Vehicles over 2.4m high

Vehicles over 2.4m high can use Hartcliffe Way Recycling Centre only,  throughout the week.

Avonmouth and St Philips Recycling Centre are not accessible to vehicles over 2.4m high.

Apply for a permit

You can apply online for a permit. You'll need:

  • Vehicle Registration Document (V5 log book, all pages)
  • a photo card licence or a valid paper licence
  • Council Tax  or utility bill from the last three months

All documents must have the same Bristol City address.

Apply for a permit

How long it takes to get the permit

Approving applications can take up to 5 working days. You'll get a confirmation email once your application has been approved that will include your E-Permit Reference Number .

Other ways to apply

You can also apply by email or by post, details on the Bristol Waste permit scheme webpage.

Checks on permit use

To enter the Reuse and Recycling Centre you'll need to show your permit details when you arrive.

If we suspect the waste is not from your own home, or that the permit is being misused, we may cancel your permit or take legal action.

Damaged and lost permits

For existing paper permits send us your damaged permit, explaining why it needs replacing.

Write to us to tell us your permit is lost, giving us your name and address. Permits@bristolwastecompany.co.uk
 

Contact information

HWRC permit applications

Bristol Waste Company (Gate 1 Reception)
Albert Road
Bristol, BS2 0XS

Email: permits@bristolwastecompany.co.uk