New booking system to make disposing of household waste easier

Stoke-on-Trent’s tips are set to introduce a free permit system for vans and/or trailers to make visits safer, quicker and easier.

Residents using vans and/or trailers will need to book a free visit to the city’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) from Monday 2 November.

The free booking system will be introduced at both of the city’s recycling centres in Hanford and Burslem and will not apply to residents using a car.

Benefits of the booking system include:

• Reduced waiting times, with shorter queues and fewer wasted journeys
• Faster and easier visits for residents
• Improved site safety and traffic management
• Reduced vehicle idling and carbon emissions
• Prevention of unauthorised use by non-residents
• Better management of DIY waste and other waste streams
• Improved service during periods of reduced capacity, such as site maintenance and repair works

Permits for eligible vehicles will last for 12 months, making it simpler for residents who regularly use the recycling centres.

Residents wishing to visit using a van and/or trailer will need to register for a free permit and book a visit online. Each household will be able to apply for up to 12 van permits per year.

Bookings can be made through the online booking system and can also be made on behalf of another Stoke-on-Trent resident, such as an elderly relative, friend or someone without access to the internet.

Residents who are unable to book online can use the automated telephone booking service by calling 01782 234000.

The new system will help the council manage the recycling centres more safely and efficiently, while improving the experience for residents.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We want visiting our tips to be as straightforward as possible, while making sure our sites are safe, well managed and able to operate efficiently.

“The new booking system will help reduce queues and unnecessary journeys, improve traffic management and make visits quicker and easier for residents.

“It’s free to use, permits will last for 12 months, and residents using cars will not need to apply for a permit. We’ve also made sure there is a telephone option for anyone who is unable to book online.

“These changes are about making the service work better for residents while ensuring our recycling centres can continue to operate safely and effectively.”

Although the new booking system will go live on Monday 2 November, to allow residents time to adjust, the HWRCs will operate a three-month transition period, ending on 31 January.

During this period, van and/or trailer users who have not yet registered or made a booking will still be allowed access under the current arrangements, provided they comply with site rules. Site staff will provide assistance and guidance to help residents with future visits.

From 1 February all van visits will require a valid permit and booking before attending either HWRC site.

Residents can arrange their visit through the online booking system at www.stoke.gov.uk/wastepermits.

Anyone who needs to book by telephone can call 01782 234000.

Trade, business and commercial waste is not accepted at either Household Waste and Recycling Centres. Disposal through a licensed commercial waste facility or registered waste carrier must be used.