Recycling centre permit scheme
Apply using our simple application form
You need a permit to take waste and recycling to our recycling centres if you have a van or trailer.
Applications for van and trailer permits has now moved online as part of the recycling centre booking system. One of the benefits of the new system will be the ability to issue permits more quickly (within 5 working days, instead of 10).
Conditions of use
You must be a Bristol resident living within the Bristol City Council boundaries and any waste you bring to site must be from your own home. Please note: You cannot get a permit for a business vehicle.
Bristol Waste Company operate Bristol’s Reuse and Recycling Centres on behalf of Bristol City Council and issue permits for these sites.
Apply for a permit
You need a permit to take waste and recycling to our recycling centres if you have a van or trailer
What does the permit allow?
- Disposal of household waste only (charges for DIY waste apply)
- 12 visits within 12 months of issue date
- Vehicles up to 2.4 metres high
- Vehicles exceeding this height will need to use our Hartcliffe Way Household Reuse and Recycling Centre.
Checks take place at all our sites
To enter the recycling centre you will need to present your permit on arrival and confirm what type of waste you have in your vehicle. If we suspect the waste is not from your own home, or that the permit is being misused, we may cancel it or take legal action.
If you visit the site in a small hire van or car you will only be asked for proof of address (preferably council tax bill or driving licence), photo ID and hire agreement to be able to use the site.
What to do about damaged and lost permits
If your permit is damaged we will replace it, please send it to us, explaining why it needs replacing.
If you have lost your permit please write to let us know, giving us your name and address. We will send you a new permit with one visit taken off for each month since the issue date.
Other ways to apply
If you do not wish to apply online, you can apply or reapply for your permit using one of the following options.
By email:
Please download and complete the application form below. Then email your completed form to Permits@bristolwastecompany.co.uk
By post:
To get an application form by post, call us on 0117 304 9580 during office hours (8am and 3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am – 3pm Friday)
You’ll need to provide a copy of:
- 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
Contact information
HRRC Permit Applications
Bristol Waste
Albert Road
St. Philips, Bristol
BS2 0XS
Recycling Centres FAQ
The Reuse and Recycling Centres operated by Bristol Waste Company can only be used by residents living within the Bristol City Council area to dispose of their waste. Bordering councils have their own facilities, which their residents should be using.
Proof of address will be checked before you can enter the site and should be shown to staff through a closed window. You will need photo ID and a recent bill or student ID. Any vehicle that arrives on site and does not have proof of address will be turned away. To keep queuing to a minimum, please help us by having your proof of address documents ready.
Yes, you can bring DIY waste to the recycling centre. A charge for the disposal of DIY waste does apply. The charges are as follows:
£2.90 per sack of soil and rubble
£4.50 per sheet or bag of clean plasterboard
£9.50 for a bag of plasterboard with other materials attached
£11 per bag/sheet of asbestos.
You will be able to pay online when booking your recycling centre visit. There is no maximum number of DIY waste bags you can bring to the recycling centre; however, rules around ‘fair usage’ and no commercial waste remain. Anyone suspected of abusing the residential waste service may be banned from the site.
The new Hartcliffe Way Reuse and Recycling Centre will have a footpath and is the only site you can visit on foot.
You cannot arrive at the Avonmouth or St Philip’s recycling centres on foot. This is primarily for your safety; we want all visits to be in a safe environment and the original recycling centres were designed for vehicle access and not pedestrian access. Large lorries and other vehicles are active on site and unfortunately it is not possible to provide safe access routes or pavements for pedestrians.
You can ride a bike into Bristol’s recycling centres. You will need to bring ID and proof of your Bristol address. If there is a queue, you should join behind the other vehicles.
Please email us – general@bristolwastecompany.co.uk