Van permits

Staffordshire residents can apply for a free permit to use vans and trailers at 13 of our recycling centres (excluding Wombourne) - check vehicle size rules and exclusions before applying.

Last updated: 30th December

Private vans over 5 metres in length and trailers over 2.5 metres in length are not allowed at any site.

If you are using a hire van, you will still need a permit, but the 5-metre rule does not apply.

This scheme does not cover waste from commercial or business activities. Trade waste is handled separately and is a chargeable service.

Vehicles that do not require an e-permit

  • Cars (including estates, people carriers, 4x4s, panel vans*)
  • Pick-up trucks**
  • Minibuses with seats removed*
  • Camper-vans with fixtures and fittings removed*
  • Trailers between 1.5 m and 2.5 m (excluding towing mechanism) or under 570 litres capacity

Vehicles that require an e-permit

Vehicles not listed in the other two categories

Vehicles excluded from site

  • Vehicles over 5 metres in length
  • Trailers over 2.5 metres in length (excluding towing mechanism)
  • Tipper trucks
  • Horse boxes / cattle trailers
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Driver & Van services (charged under trade waste scheme)
  • Motorcycles
  • Bicycles
  • Quad bikes
  • Minibuses with seats in place*
  • Double cab pickups**
  • Camper-vans with fixtures and fittings in place*
  • Trailers up to 1.5 metres (excluding towing mechanism) and 570 litres capacity

* Maximum vehicle size: 5 metres in length and 3.5 tonnes in weight.

** double cab pickups will no longer be classified as vans, they shall be classified as cars and as such will not require an e-permit. Please note that single cab pickups are still classified as commercial vehicles by the government and as such will continue to be subject to our van and trailer permit scheme.

How to apply

If you live in Staffordshire, you can apply online via the council’s website. You’ll need:

  • An email address
  • Proof of residency
  • Your vehicle registration number

Once approved, your permit number will be emailed to you. Click the button below and fill in the short form. You’ll get a confirmation email, and your permit will be emailed once approved.

Apply for a van permit

Important information

The permit system cannot check your vehicle size from the registration number. If your vehicle is over 5 metres or your trailer is over 2.5 metres, you may be refused entry.

The permit holder must live at the address where the waste is from. If you are dealing with a relative's waste, please contact us for further advice. 

Height barriers

All sites have a 2-metre height barrier. Staff can raise the barrier if needed.

About the permit

  • Permits are free of charge.
  • Only Staffordshire residents can apply.
  • Permits are for household waste only.
  • One permit per household.

Permit validity

  • Valid for 12 months
  • Can be used for up to 12 visits
  • You’ll get an email when it’s time to reapply

Using your permit

When visiting a recycling centre, you must tell site staff one of the following:

  • Your permit number (you can show it on your phone)
  • The address the permit is registered to
  • Your vehicle registration number (must match the permit)

Reasons you may be refused entry

  • Your vehicle or trailer is on the exclusion list
    • Your vehicle registration doesn’t match the permit
    • You’ve used all 12 visits
    • The waste looks like it’s from a business or renovation work (trade waste charges may apply)

* Maximum vehicle size: 5 metres in length and 3.5 tonnes in weight.