Recycling centre permit scheme

flare-blue

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, this includes flat beds or any branded/ sign written vehicle.

If we suspect the waste in your vehicle is not from your own home, or that the permit is being misused, we reserve the right to cancel the permit or take legal action.

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?

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

Email: Permits@bristolwastecompany.co.uk

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.

As of 1 January 2024, Bristol residents can dispose of some household DIY waste for free at one of our recycling centres.

You can bring up to one load per week over a four week period of the following:

  • up to 100 litres of loose waste, such as rubble or soil. This must be contained within two 50-litre rubble bags (or bags of equivalent size).

OR

  • any bulky or fitted item, like a sink or pedestal, no larger than 2m x 0.75m x 0.7m.

Any waste exceeding these allowances will be charged at the following rates:

  • £2.90 per sack of loose waste such as rubble or soil (full details)
  • £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 can pay at the time of booking on the Bristol City Council website. 

 

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