Van and trailer permits

If you live in Hertfordshire, you can apply online for a free instant permit to use a van or trailer to dispose of waste from your home at your local recycling centre.

Existing permit holders - log in 
Update your details or check how many visits you have left.
 

 

Next steps after you apply

Logging in to your account

We'll provide a temporary password so you can log in to check how many visits you have left, update your details or check when your permit expires.

You'll need to change your password the first time you log in to your account. It must contain at least 8 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number and a special character (like an exclamation mark).
 

What to do when you visit

Show a member of staff your permit email (on your smartphone or a printed copy). They will check your waste, then record your visit. You'll get an email telling you how many visits you have left.
 

 

How long the permit lasts

The permit is valid for 12 visits within a 12 month period. There are no exceptions to this rule. Only one permit is allowed for each household.

You can re-apply every 12 months. You'll receive an email reminder to re-apply.

 

Vehicle and waste restrictions

  • Van and trailer permits are only available to Hertfordshire residents.
  • DIY waste – read our restrictions before you visit or you may be turned away.
  • Waste from businesses, charities or other organisations won't be accepted. Use our commercial waste service.
  • There are no height restrictions at any of our centres.
  • Blue badge holders who use wheelchair accessible vehicles for everyday transport do not need to apply for a van / trailer permit.

Vehicle and permit requirements
Vehicle Permit

A car

A four wheel drive car.

Car / 4x4

No

A people carrierVolkswagen campervan icon

People carriers, caravanettes, minibuses (less than 8 seats)

No

A people carrierVolkswagen campervan icon

Any vehicle with:

  • 8 seats or more
  • rear seats, seat belts or fittings removed (this is considered to be adapted for commercial use).

Yes

A car and trailer



Car and trailer

Yes

A pickup truck



Pickup truck

Yes

A vanA small van.

Van

Yes

Campervan icon  

Camper van

Yes

 

Borrowed or hired vans

Borrowed vans - You'll need to borrow the related permit. Your visits will be recorded on this permit.

Hired vans - you'll need to bring a van permit and proof of your hire agreement on every visit, or you won't be allowed to tip your waste.

Employers' vans
You can bring your household waste to site in your employer's van, only one permit per van is allowed. If several employees want to use one van, they will have to share the 12 visits.

 

Lost or stolen permits

For a change of details, you'll need your current permit reference number.

 

Terms, conditions and privacy

Terms and conditions - van and trailer permits

  1. This permit remains the property of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).
  2. The recycling centre site customer rules must be adhered to at all times. Failure to do so may result in your permit being revoked.
  3. When requesting a permit, you will be required to agree to these legally binding terms and conditions of the van permit scheme.
  4. The van permit is valid for 12 visits in one year, from the date of issue.
  5. A household may only hold one permit at a time. If there is more than one van at your property you will need to decide which one to register.
  6. The details held on your van permit must match the registration of the vehicle you are driving.
  7. Once all 12 visits have been used, you will not be able to reapply for a new permit until the expiry date has been reached. There are no exceptions to this.
  8. If you visit a centre more than once in a day, each visit will be counted separately and your permit marked accordingly.
  9. You can loan your van to a friend or relative, however each visit will be counted against your permit allocation of 12 visits per year.
  10. If you’re using a hire van, you will still need to apply for a permit and bring your hire agreement with you to the recycling centre.
  11. We will not tolerate any verbal, physical abuse or bullying towards any of our site staff. Our enforcement policy sets out what action we will take when visitors behave inappropriately.
  12. A van permit does not entitle the holder to bring unlimited amounts of construction, demolition and excavation (DIY) material to the sites. Please make yourself familiar with our construction and demolition waste policy before you load your vehicle. None of our recycling centres accept asbestos.
  13. Waste will be checked upon arrival and the site operators have the right to turn away anyone suspected of bringing commercial, industrial or excessive DIY waste on to site.
  14. You may be asked to sign a Waste Declaration Ticket to confirm the waste is from your own home.
  15. The site manager reserves the right to refuse a tip if it does not comply with the construction and demolition policy or if the material is suspected as being commercial waste. The site manager’s decision is final.
  16. Our van permit is not valid for commercial use and business addresses will not be accepted.
  17. Vehicles wishing to deliver charity or voluntary group waste cannot apply for a van permit under the van permit scheme.
  18. The permit must not be copied, changed or defaced in any manner. If it is, your permit may be revoked.
  19. If you change your address, you must update your details online.
  20. Recycling centres operate an automatic number plate recognition scheme and are monitored by CCTV and Body Worn Video cameras. For more details see our WasteAware strategy.
  21. HCC reserves the right to withdraw individual permits in cases of misuse and abuse by the holder. HCC will notify you of its decision in writing to the address given at the time of application.
  22. HCC reserves the right to amend the operation of the recycling centre permit scheme, including these terms and conditions at any time without notice.

How we use your data - van and trailer permit applications

By completing the permit form, you give consent for Hertfordshire County Council to use the information that you shared with us to administer your van permit.

Your information will only be used for this purpose and will only be held for the lifetime of the permit and 12 months after your permit expires.

The personal data requested are:

  • name
  • address
  • email address
  • phone number
  • vehicle registration
  • vehicle make, model and type
  • if the vehicle is owned or hired.

 

This information is required for account registration and permit verification purposes. This will also allow the user have access to their information and update when needed.

Your rights

 

If you have any questions, please contact us.