Waste permit booking system for vans and trailers
From 2 November, residents using a van, trailer or other eligible vehicle will need to register for a free waste permit and book a visit before attending a Household Waste Recycling Centre (tip).
This new system is being introduced at:
- Hanford Household Waste Recycling Centre
- Burslem Household Waste Recycling Centre
Please note: If you are visiting in a car, you do not need a permit or booking.
To help residents adjust to the new system, there will be a three-month transition period from 2 November to 31 January. From 1 February, all vehicles mentioned must have a valid permit and a confirmed booking to be able to dispose of their waste. Visitors arriving without a permit and booking may not be able to access the site.
Site staff will be available to provide guidance and help residents prepare for future visits.
Why we are making this change
The new booking system will help make visits:
- Faster and easier
- Safer for residents and staff
- Better managed during busy periods
- Quicker with shorter queues
- More environmentally friendly by reducing vehicles waiting with engines running
- Fairer by helping prevent use by people who do not live in Stoke-on-Trent
Who needs a permit
You will need a permit if you are visiting in one of the below vehicles:
- a van
- a trailer. Trailers over 2.4m in length will be refused entry
- a 4×4 vehicle with pick-up or panel bodies, including vehicles with aftermarket seating fitted into the rear of the vehicle
- a panel van – any type of van that has a payload and panels instead of windows, including vans with aftermarket seating in the rear and aftermarket windows fitted, unless it is taxed as a minibus
- a pick-up truck
- commercial vehicles, vehicles up to 3.4 tonnes with Luton type bodies, flat beds or tipper backs
- vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of 3.5t or above are not allowed entry to the centres at any time
There is no height restrictions at both sites but there is a weight limit of 3.5t for vehicles accessing the site.
If you are using a standard car, no permit or booking is required.
How the permit works
- Permits are free
- Each permit lasts for 12 months
- 1 permit to cover 12 visits per year
- You must have a permit and book your visit before attending
- The permit and booking system is linked to the vehicle and household address rather than the individual driver.
Apply online and book a visit
Residents can apply for a permit and book a visit online.
You can also make a booking for another Stoke-on-Trent resident (elderly relative, a friend or someone without internet access).
Apply for a permit
Please note: The permit and booking system is linked to the vehicle and household address rather than the individual driver.
Need help booking?
If you can’t do it online, our customer services team are here to help.
Call: 01782 234000
Important information about trade waste
Household Waste Recycling Centres are for household waste only.
Trade, business or commercial waste is not accepted at either site.
Businesses must use:
- A licensed commercial waste facility, or
- A registered waste carrier