VAN AND TWIN AXLE TRAILER PERMIT



If you are visiting your local household waste recycling centre to dispose of household waste using your own van, hire van, pick-up truck or a twin axle trailer you will need to apply for a free permit before you visit.

Please note all pick-up trucks and some campervans may need to visit one of our larger sites. See here for more details.

The recycling centres are for resident’s household waste only, strictly no trade waste.

When you arrive at a recycling centre, you will be met at the gate by a SUEZ operative who will ask you what type of waste and recycling you have to ensure the waste can be accepted under the site Environmental Permit and so you can be directed to the right container. They may also ask to see the waste or recycling you’re bringing in, this is so we can maximise the amount of waste that we recycle and check the waste is household and not trade waste.

No vans over 5.3m or 3.5 tonnes are allowed on any of the recycling centres. See here.

For further information on using a hire van see here.

Please note applications can take 2 working days to process.

Apply for a van permit















Using a regular car?

Please note: visitors using a standard car DO NOT need a permit to use the Recycling Centres unless you intend to visit with a twin axle trailer.


Using a hire van?

Please note: You will need to apply for a permit account 2 working days before your first visit. For more information click here






How do I apply?

The permit is easy to apply for and is free of charge, it allows you a maximum of 18 visits over the year to dispose of household waste. You can apply online at vanpermit.Suez.co.uk.

You must be a resident of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, or Trafford.

The person who is the registered owner of the vehicle is the person who needs to create the account.



If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@Suez.com 






What documents do I need?

  1. You will need to upload a copy of your V5C form (logbook) for the van, pick-up truck or the car that will be used to tow the twin axle trailer.

  2. You will need to upload proof of your address, this can be in the form of a utility bill such as gas, electric, landline or a broadband package contract.  These bills need to be dated within the last 3 months of issue. Also accepted are a current annual Council tax or water bill. If you do not have access to a paper copy of these documents a screenshot of the online account can be uploaded but must clearly show name and address details.

  3. Once your application has been processed you will receive an email confirming the status of your application. Please check your junk mail box as the email may be sent there. You will receive an email whether you have been successful or not, within 2 business days.

    Please Note: If you have access to a company vehicle please upload a letter from your employer stating that you can use the company vehicle for personal use. This needs to be on a letter headed document showing the company name, address, postcode and contact details along with the registration plate of the vehicle. You will still need to provide proof of address.

APPLY NOW



If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@Suez.com 





Changes to household waste recycling centre access permits 

What has changed? 

Vans over 5.3 metres in length and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in weight are no longer allowed to use the household waste recycling centres in Greater Manchester. 

Pick-up trucks disposing of household waste

Pick-up trucks of any size can only visit one of the following 10 recycling centres:

Salford Road Recycling Centre – Salford Road, Bolton, BL5 1DG
Cemetery Road Recycling Centre – Cemetery Road, Radcliffe, M26 4FT
Longley Lane Recycling Centre – Longley Lane, Sharston, M22 4RQ
Arkwright Street Recycling Centre – Arkwright St, Oldham, OL9 9LZ
Chichester Road Recycling Centre – Chichester Street, Rochdale, OL16 2AU
Boysnope Wharf Recycling Centre – Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7RH
Lumns Lane Recycling Centre – Lumns Lane, Clifton, M27 8LN
Bredbury Parkway Recycling Centre – Bredbury Park Way, Bredbury Park Industrial Estate, Bredbury, SK6 2SN
Bayley Street Recycling Centre – Bayley Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1PZ
Chester Road Recycling Centre – Chester Road, Stretford, M32 9AU

These sites have better access for larger vehicles and allow us to avoid obstructions and safety issues at the other recycling centres. A permit is still required.

Campervans and minibuses over 5.3m long

Campervans and minibuses greater than 5.3 metres long can only visit one of the following 10 recycling centres. You do not need a permit:
Salford Road Recycling Centre – Salford Road, Bolton, BL5 1DG
Cemetery Road Recycling Centre – Cemetery Road, Radcliffe, M26 4FT
Longley Lane Recycling Centre – Longley Lane, Sharston, M22 4RQ
Arkwright Street Recycling Centre – Arkwright St, Oldham, OL9 9LZ
Chichester Road Recycling Centre – Chichester Street, Rochdale, OL16 2AU
Boysnope Wharf Recycling Centre – Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7RH
Lumns Lane Recycling Centre – Lumns Lane, Clifton, M27 8LN
Bredbury Parkway Recycling Centre – Bredbury Park Way, Bredbury Park Industrial Estate, Bredbury, SK6 2SN
Bayley Street Recycling Centre – Bayley Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1PZ
Chester Road Recycling Centre – Chester Road, Stretford, M32 9AU

Why has this change been made? 

The recycling centres are for household waste, the road layout and parking bays are designed for cars. Large commercial type vehicles over 5.3 metres long cannot safely move around all of the sites. For the safety of all users we have reviewed the access arrangements for larger vehicles at the recycling centres we operate in Greater Manchester. We have made special arrangements for pick-up trucks, campervans and minibuses providing the vehicle does not appear to be used for a trade, business or commercial purpose. These type of vehicles can use any of 10 of the listed recycling centres which are the larger of the 20 sites.

 

What can I do if I have a vehicle that is no longer allowed to use the recycling centres?  

If you only have a van over 5.3 metres in length other options to dispose of your household waste include:

1. Using a vehicle under 5.3 metres in length
2. Booking a large or bulky waste collection with your local council
3. Hiring a van under 5.3 metres or hiring a skip.

If you need to contact us about this, please email: gmcavanpermit.uk@Suez.com 

What if I’m hiring a vehicle? 

If you’re hiring a vehicle to access the recycling centres, you will need to make sure it is under 5.3 metres long and less than 3.5 tonnes. Please check the vehicle details before you hire it and add these details to your permit account. 






Frequently asked questions

Which types of vehicles need a permit?

The permit applies to any van under 5.3 meters designed to carry cargo, all pick-up trucks and cars towing a twin axle trailer. It also applies to any car, MPV or SUV or other vehicle that appears to have been adapted to operate like a van (for example by the removal of seating to increase the space inside) and appears to be a commercial-type vehicle.

The use of anything towed that is not a trailer originally designed for the purpose of carrying goods is not permitted and will be refused entry to the household waste recycling centres if carrying waste for disposal.

Site operatives have the right to refuse entry of such vehicles without a permit.

Any vehicle (including vans) carrying trade waste are not permitted at the household waste recycling centre. The sites are for residents who wish to dispose of their household waste.

Can I use a hire van?

If you are visiting your local Household Waste Recycling Centre to dispose of household waste using a hire van, pick-up truck or a twin axle trailer you will need a permit. The hire van must be less than 5.3 metres long.

Please note: You will need to apply for a permit account 2 working days before your first visit.

Before hiring the van, pick-up truck or twin axle trailer you will first need to create an account to confirm you are a Greater Manchester resident.

more info…

Can I use a van borrowed from friends or family?

Yes, but the van must be under 5.3 metres and the owner of the van must apply for the van permit and be a resident of Greater Manchester (excluding Wigan). Applications can take 2 working days to process. Once processed the van owner can share the QR code with you.

How much does the permit cost?

The permit is free of charge.

How do I know if I need a permit?

If you wish to use a van, hire van, pick up truck, or twin axle trailer to take your household waste to a recycling centre, then you need to apply for a permit before you visit.

The use of anything towed that is not a trailer originally designed for the purpose of carrying goods is not permitted and will be refused entry to the household waste recycling centres if carrying waste for disposal.

Any vehicle (including vans) carrying trade waste are not permitted at the household waste recycling centre. The sites are for residents who wish to dispose of their household waste.

The permit applies to any van designed to carry cargo, pick-up trucks and cars towing a twin axle trailer. It also applies to any car, MPV or SUV or other vehicle that appears to have been adapted to operate like a van (for example by the removal of seating to increase the space inside)

Site operatives have the right to refuse entry of such vehicles without a permit

How long before I get my permit?

Permits are processed within 2 working days (not including Bank holidays and weekends).

How long is a permit valid for?

The permit is valid for 12 months (1st April to 31st March). The visit limits are reset each year, you do not have to reapply.

If you do not visit within a 12 month period, the account will be deleted according to data protection rules.

How many visits will I have when I apply for my permit?

When you apply the visits you have made since 1st April will be deducted from your 18 per year allowance. The number of visits will automatically reset to 18 from the 1st April.

What documents will I need to apply for my permit?

You will need to upload a copy of your  V5C form (logbook) for the van, pick-up truck or the car that will be used to tow the twin axle trailer.

Also

You will need to upload proof of your address, this can be in the form of a utility bill such as gas, electric, landline or a broadband package contract.  These bills need to be dated within the last 3 months of issue. Also accepted are a current annual Council tax or water bill. If you do not have access to a paper copy of these documents a screenshot of the online account can be uploaded but must clearly show name and address details.

Can I use my permit at any recycling centre in Greater Manchester?

Your permit is valid at any of the 20 household waste recycling centres in the 9 council areas of Greater Manchester. Find your nearest recycling centre.

For residents living in Wigan, please visit wigan.gov.uk/index.aspx

If you have a pick up truck, campervan or minibus you can only use some of our larger sites, these are listed above.

How do I use my permit?

Once your application has been approved, you need to log into your van permit account to access your QR code. Please show this to the SUEZ operative at the gate of the HWRC, the SUEZ operative will scan the QR code.

How many times can I visit a recycling centre with my permit?

The permit allows you to visit 18 times in a year (1st April to 31st March).

I am hiring a van to get rid of waste do I need a permit?

Yes you will need to register for a permit if you plan to hire a van or twin axle trailer for a short period of time.

Permit for using a hire van 

You will need to take your hire documents to site with you as an operative will ask to see them. Please allow 2 workings days for your application to be processed.

I have a disability adapted vehicle do I need a permit?

No, if you drive a vehicle adapted to carry a wheelchair, you do not need to apply for a permit. If your disability adapted vehicle is over 5.3 metres long you must now visit one of the following 10 sites but do not need a permit:

  • Salford Road Recycling Centre – Salford Road, Bolton, BL5 1DG
  • Cemetery Road Recycling Centre – Cemetery Road, Radcliffe, M26 4FT
  • Longley Lane Recycling Centre – Longley Lane, Sharston, M22 4RQ
  • Arkwright Street Recycling Centre – Arkwright St, Oldham, OL9 9LZ
  • Chichester Road Recycling Centre – Chichester Street, Rochdale, OL16 2AU
  • Boysnope Wharf Recycling Centre – Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7RH
  • Lumns Lane Recycling Centre – Lumns Lane, Clifton, M27 8LN
  • Bredbury Parkway Recycling Centre – Bredbury Park Way, Bredbury Park Industrial Estate, Bredbury, SK6 2SN
  • Bayley Street Recycling Centre – Bayley Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1PZ
  • Chester Road Recycling Centre – Chester Road, Stretford, M32 9AU
Can I have more than one permit?

No only one permit is allowed per household.

I have several different vans can I have more than one permit?

No, only one permit is allowed per household

I am having some work done at home, can I get for a permit for a builder/gardener/carpet fitter?

No, if you are having work done by tradespeople, then this is classed as trade waste and is chargeable. Your trader should remove their waste and dispose of it at a trade waste facility or by using a skip. Traders may build these costs into your overall service charge.

I have a van registered in my employer’s name (work’s van), can I get permit?

If you have access to a company vehicle please upload a letter from your employer stating that you can use the company vehicle for personal use. This needs to be on a letter headed document showing the company name, address, postcode and contact details along with the registration plate of the vehicle. You will still need to provide proof of address. The vehicle must be less than 5.3 metres long and less 3.5 tonnes.

Again, such a vehicle can only be used to deliver the resident’s own household waste to the recycling centre. 

How many times can I visit the recycling centres?

Cars can visit the recycling centre 52 times per year.

Vans and trailers can visit the recycling centre 18 times per year.

I have a car and am permitted 52 visits. If I need to use a twin axle trailer with that vehicle do I therefore get 18 more visits with my permit?

No, your 18 visits with your permit will still be recorded on our ANPR system, therefore will be counted as part of your 52 visits per year.

I have applied and uploaded my documents but I have not had a response.

We process your application within 2 working days (excluding bank holidays and weekend) please check your spam folder on your emails. Please contact  gmcavanpermit.uk@Suez.com if it has been longer then 2 working days. 

The van permit system does not recognise my postcode.

New build postcodes are sometimes not recognised on our database system, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@Suez.com. You will be required to upload a copy of your council tax bill. Once it is verified that the address is in Greater Manchester (excluding Wigan) you will be notified that you can apply for a permit.

I have a lease hire van

If you have a lease hire vehicle, please upload your lease hire agreement. This needs to be in the applicant’s name showing, address, postcode along with the registration plate of the vehicle. You will still need to provide proof of address 

Can I tow a trailer even if it takes the total length over the 5.3m limit?

Yes, you can bring a trailer into the site. The reason for this is if a vehicle has an attached trailer, they are articulated and able to get around tight bends at some of the recycling centres. Residents using twin axle trailers need a permit to access the recycling centres.

My minivan/campervan is over 5.3m, can I access the recycling centre??

We have reviewed the access arrangements for larger vehicles at the recycling centres.

Campervans and minibuses greater than 5.3 metres in length must now visit one of the following 10 sites listed below but do not need a permit. These sites have better access for larger vehicles and allow us to avoid obstructions and safety issues.

You can visit any of these sites in this vehicle to dispose of household waste, even if you live in a different area of Greater Manchester.

  • Salford Road Recycling Centre – Salford Road, Bolton, BL5 1DG
  • Cemetery Road Recycling Centre – Cemetery Road, Radcliffe, M26 4FT
  • Longley Lane Recycling Centre – Longley Lane, Sharston, M22 4RQ
  • Arkwright Street Recycling Centre – Arkwright St, Oldham, OL9 9LZ
  • Chichester Road Recycling Centre – Chichester Street, Rochdale, OL16 2AU
  • Boysnope Wharf Recycling Centre – Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7RH
  • Lumns Lane Recycling Centre – Lumns Lane, Clifton, M27 8LN
  • Bredbury Parkway Recycling Centre – Bredbury Park Way, Bredbury Park Industrial Estate, Bredbury, SK6 2SN
  • Bayley Street Recycling Centre – Bayley Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1PZ
  • Chester Road Recycling Centre – Chester Road, Stretford, M32 9AU
Why can I only use certain sites using my pick-up truck?

The recycling centres are for household waste, the road layouts and parking bays are designed for cars. Large commercial type vehicles over 5.3 metres long cannot safely move around all the sites. For the safety of all users, we have reviewed the access arrangements for pick up trucks at the recycling centres we operate in Greater Manchester. You can visit any of these larger sites to dispose of household waste, even if you live in a different area of Greater Manchester. Please note you will still need a permit. A list of these sites can be found above.







If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@Suez.com




COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS