Waste and Recycling

Answers to frequently asked questions

Section 3:  Household permit scheme



Common questions in this section:


Why are you introducing a permit scheme?

Research shows that the majority of trade waste is delivered to HWRCs in commercial type vehicles such as vans and large trailers. As trade waste is not accepted at HWRCs, vans and commercial vehicles will have restricted access to HWRCs to prevent trade waste being deposited. The household permit scheme will allow access for householders who use a commercial type vehicle to dispose of their household waste. Preventing traders from entering the sites will reduce onsite congestion and make them quicker and easier to use.

Why will I have to apply for a permit for my vehicle?

Commercial type vehicles, including vans and large trailers will have restricted access to HWRCs in order to prevent trade waste entering the sites. We recognise that some householders use a commercial type vehicle to dispose of their household waste, so they can apply for a free permit. This will enable them to continue to use HWRCs with their commercial vehicle. If you use a car, you do not need to apply for a permit, as no restrictions are being placed on the entry of cars into HWRCs.

Will I have to pay for the permit?

Permits will be provided free of charge to any householder who requires one (see conditions above) for the transport of waste produced by themselves from their own home. Householders should call 0845 603 5634 or pick up a leaflet at the HWRC or an Information Centre for more details. You can also apply online.

Will I need a permit if I use my car to go to the HWRC?

No, you will not need a permit to enter the site in a car. The permit scheme is for commercial type vehicles only, and no restrictions are being placed on cars.

Does a permit mean I can bring any waste to a site?

No. Permits will allow holders entry to the sites only. Waste deposited must be in accordance with the Waste Acceptance Policy. HWRCs are strictly for household waste and recyclables only, and trade waste is not permitted. Depending on the frequency of visits and type of waste being deposited, permit holders and car users may still be asked to fill in a Disclaimer Form to confirm that the waste is from their own household. This is not intended to inconvenience site users but to improve the HWRC service for genuine householders.

A household recycling permit allows access to HWRCs, but does not allow users to deposit non-household waste. Using Disclaimer Forms prevents traders attempting to abuse the system by entering the sites in domestic vehicles, i.e. cars.

Will permits be issued for a specific waste type?

No, permits are issued to allow entry to the HWRCs only. Waste deposited must be in accordance with the published Waste Acceptance Policy.

How many permits can I claim?

Householders who qualify will receive one permit valid for three calendar year from the date of issue, allowing 12 individual visits to the HWRC network. Once 12 visits have been made, the site staff will retain the permit and householders can reapply for another permit. Householders can apply for another permit after 12 months if they require a new one (i.e. the previous one has been used up).

Can I get more than the specified number of permits per year?

The calculation of 12 visits per year is based on the average user's frequency of visits, which equates to approx once per month. Clearly some householders will have a need to visit more often than this (e.g. if they have a large garden), so in special circumstances, additional permits may be granted. Requests for additional permits will be accepted by phoning Hantsdirect on 0845 603 5634, or in writing to: HWRC Household Permit Scheme, Waste and Resource Management, Hampshire County Council, 84-98 Southampton Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5PA.

Will the permits be valid for a single site, or all HWRCs in Hampshire?

Permits will be valid for any HWRC in Hampshire, including those operated by Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council.

Height barriers are in place at both the Southampton and Portsmouth HWRCs. Please check in advance the height of your vehicle and the barrier opening times.

Householders will not be required to specify which site they will be visiting, as a permit will grant access to all sites.

How do I apply for a permit?

Apply online or call 0845 603 5634.

Who will need a permit?

Householders who wish to use a commercial type vehicle to dispose of their waste will need to apply for a free permit to access HWRCs. They can then access sites without being suspected of being a trader on the basis of their vehicle. For the purposes of trade waste controls, Hampshire County Council defines a commercial type vehicle as one with no rear windows, and/or no rear seats, and/or has an open back.

How will the permit scheme operate?

On arrival at an HWRC, you will be required to hand your permit to a member of site staff who will confirm that your vehicle details match those shown and mark the permit to indicate that one visit has been used. If you visit the HWRC network more than once in one day, each visit will be counted separately and your permit marked accordingly. Please note that a permit provides permission to enter the site only and is not a permit to deposit waste which will be subject to the Waste Acceptance Policy.

How long will the permits be valid for?

Permits are valid for three years from the date of issue, so if after one year you have used fewer than 12 visits, your permit will still be valid and you will not need to reapply.

I live outside Hampshire, but a Hampshire-run HWRC is my nearest site, can I still apply for a permit?

Permits will only be issued to Hampshire residents. However, non-Hampshire residents will still be able to access a Hampshire-run site in a domestic car, or in a car towing a trailer with a carrying capacity not larger than 1.8m x 1.2m (6ft x 4ft), for the deposit of household waste and recyclables.

What happens if I arrive onsite without a permit?

Householders using commercial vehicles without a permit will generally not be allowed to deposit their waste, but discretion may be allowed in certain circumstances.

When will the permit scheme come into effect?

Householders who use a commercial vehicle for their domestic purposes, will need a permit to visit an HWRC from 14 February 2008.

When can I apply for the permits?

Householders can apply for permits now by calling 0845 603 5634 or online.

Who can I contact with questions about the permits or other trade waste controls?

You should contact Hampshire County Council on 0845 603 5634 or via the website www.hants.gov.uk/recycling. Leaflets are also be available at HWRCs and Information Centres.

What happens if a number of people in my household use the vehicle, does the permit still apply?

If you own the vehicle to which a permit is assigned, any member of your household or another driver you designate can use the permit to visit the site in that vehicle, but this will count as one of the 12 allocated visits on the permit.

What happens if I am not the owner of the vehicle?

Any member of a household can use the permit with the specified vehicle to deposit household waste, but this is on the understanding that one of the 12 visits will be used up. Only one permit is allowed per vehicle.

What happens if I hire a van to transport my waste?

Commercial type vehicles which have been hired for two days or less will not require a permit. Householders who have hired a commercial type vehicle should bring their hire purchase agreement document with them to the site and show it to a site operative.

How can I apply for a permit?

Apply online or call 0845 603 5634.

Which vehicles will need a permit?

Householders who wish to use a commercial type vehicle to dispose of household waste will need to apply for a free permit. For the purposes of trade waste controls, Hampshire County Council defines a commercial type vehicle as one with no rear windows, and/or no rear seats, and/or has an open back. Residents using domestic cars or 4x4s will not need to apply for a permit, and can continue accessing HWRCs as they currently do.

What happens to my permit when I get to the sites?

On arrival at an HWRC, you will be required to hand your permit to a member of site staff who will confirm that your vehicle details match those shown and mark the permit to indicate that one visit has been used. If you visit the HWRC network more than once in one day, each visit will be counted separately and your permit marked accordingly.