Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) permit scheme terms and conditions

Read these terms and conditions before applying for a permit.

What the permit provides

Each permit allows for up to 12 visits to a Hampshire HWRC to dispose of household waste using a:

  • van or pick-up
  • trailer measuring 1.8 metres to 3 metres in length

Check if your vehicle needs a permit

Hampshire County Council does not use DVLA vehicle classifications to decide if vehicles are exempt from needing a permit. The decision of Hampshire County Council is final.

The permit is valid for:

  • one vehicle only
  • up to 12 visits or 12 months, whichever comes first

Your household can only hold one permit at a time. You can hold up to two permits in a year. You can apply for your second permit after completing your first 12 visits.

Permits will only be issued to residents of Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth.

The permit can be used at all Hampshire HWRCs, plus Southampton HWRC (City Depot and Recycling Park). The permit is not valid at Portsmouth HWRC. Permits issued by Portsmouth City Council are not valid at Hampshire HWRCs.

The permit provides access to the site. The waste you bring is subject to the waste acceptance policy.

Administration fee

The £18 administration fee covers the cost of:

  • printing and distributing the permit
  • staff to process the permit

Hampshire County Council does not profit from the permit administration fee.

VAT receipt

After you apply, you will receive an email that shows your payment is inclusive of VAT.

Using your permit

Show the site staff your permit when you arrive. Your visit will be marked off. Multiple visits in one day will be counted separately.

You may designate anybody to drive your vehicle. They must show your permit.

You will be refused access to the HWRC if you do not show a valid permit.

When applying for a permit, please allow 10-working days for this to be received via the post. If a permit has not been received after this period, you must notify Hampshire County Council within 56 days of initial application for this to be reissued. If you do not notify Hampshire County Council within this timeframe, you will need to apply for a new permit. You will need to pay the £18 administration fee again.

Depending on the frequency of visits and the type of waste being disposed of, you may be asked to fill in a declaration form to confirm that your waste is from your household and not commercial or trade waste.

You cannot use a towed trailer at Hayling Island HWRC or New Alresford HWRC due to limited manoeuvring space.

Changing your details or vehicle

You will need a new permit if you:

  • change your vehicle
  • change your vehicle registration number for your current vehicle
  • change your address

You will need to pay the £18 administration fee again.

Do not amend the permit yourself. Defacing or amending the permit will invalidate the permit.

If you sell your vehicle, do not pass the permit on to the new owner. No full or partial refunds will be issued if you sell your vehicle.

Incorrect information

Your permit will be printed with the information you provide when you apply.

If the information you provide is incorrect, you will need to apply for a new permit. You will need to pay the £18 administration fee again.

Lost or damaged permits

If you lose or damage your permit, you will need to apply for a new permit. You will need to pay the £18 administration fee again.

Refunds

We will not issue refunds unless in exceptional circumstances. You must make a request for a refund in writing. Hampshire County Council’s decision is final.

Blue Badge holders

If you are a Blue Badge holder, you will still need to show a valid permit to use a van, pick-up or trailer at a Hampshire HWRC.

You may be exempt if you can show your vehicle has been adapted to accommodate your disability.

Trade waste

The permit can only be used to dispose of household waste at a Hampshire HWRC. The permit is not valid for the disposal of commercial or trade waste.

We define trade waste as waste arising from any trade, business, industrial or commercial activities.

If you need to dispose of trade waste, use the trade waste service.

Hampshire County Council’s rights

Hampshire County Council reserves the right to cancel permits or amend the operation of the permit scheme at any time.