Household Waste Recycling Faqs

What kinds of permits are there?

The are three different types of permit - Annual, General and Pedestrian:

  • Annual Recycling Permits
    Issued for most types of recyclable material. This can include paper, glass, card, cans, plastic and green garden waste according to each sites own range af recycling receptacles. These permits allow an unlimited number of visits to any HWRC and unlimited amouts of these materials can be deposited. These permits are valid for a full year.
  • General Waste Permits
    State the type of waste that will be deposited at the time of the application. This waste will be monitored to ensure that the declared waste is actually what is being deposited. These permits are valid for 31 days from the date of issue and allow one visit per household.
  • Pedestrian Permits
    Enable householders living within walking distance to a HWRC to access the site on foot and not by means of any vehicle, with either recyclable materals or general waste. These permits are lifetime permits and are issued to the individual not the household.

When do I need a permit?

You need to obtain a permit in advance of your visit to the HWRC if you intend to use any of the following:

  • A van of any size
  • A utility vehicle
  • A twin-axle trailer

Are there an exceptions to the rule?

Yes, if you are disabled and hold a "Disabled Persons Vehicle Badge".

If you are disabled and intend to use a van, utility vehicle or twin axle trailer to recycle your household waste, you will not need an permit to access the HWRC provided you produce your badge on request by the site/gate attendant at the HWRC. This exception applies to household waste only - trade waste will not be accepted.

Yes. There are some types of vehicles and trailers that are not allowed to access the HWRC's:

  • Vehicles with more than 4 wheels. This includes rear-axle twin wheeled vehicles
  • Any vehicle or trailer with a tipper mechanism
  • Agricultural type vehicles eg. tractors
  • Any vehicle carrying trade waste
  • Any trailer whose bed exceeds 3 metres (9 feet10 inches) in length

How do I apply for a permit?

You can apply for a permit in two ways:

How long does it take to issue a permit?

Applying for a permit will only take a few minutes. The permit will then be posted out to you via first class mail to the address declared on your application. You should receive it within 2-3 days.

What happens if I need to deposit waste at short notice?

Contact the Helpline on 0845 055 1118 explaining your circumstances, and they will do their best to advise you on a course of action. Alternatively, emergency permits may occasionally be issued out of office hours at the discretion of the site staff - but only in exceptional circumstances.

Why is the scheme necessary?

The scheme was implemented in 2006 to reduce congestion, improve health and safety, and increase recycling.

Since the scheme was introduced recycling rates have increased significantly and now average 60% across Cumbria. Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC's) are provided for local residents to recycle and dispose of any additional household waste. Commercial and industrial waste is not accepted at these sites.

Does this mean I need to keep requesting a general waste permit every month?

Yes, if you need one. There are two reasons for this:

  • On each visit your general waste will be different and the waste description on each permit needs to reflect this
  • Not everybody needs to visit their HWRC every month

Can I apply for more than one permit at once?

In exceptional circumstances multiple permits may be applied for, for example if you are moving house, doing home improvements, or clearing a house due to bereavement.

In these exceptional circumstances, we are able to issue you with up to 3 permits in advance, usable within 31days of application, to allow you multiple visits to an HWRC. However, no further permits will be issued during the months applied for.

How much do the permits cost?

Nothing. Permits a free of charge to householders in Cumbria.

I have a large amount of waste. Can I have more than one permit?

Yes. You can have a maximum of three months' permits in advance to use straight away.  However no further permits will be issued for those three months.

Do I need to take my permit with me to the HWRC?

Yes. Without the permit you will not be allowed access to the site.

 

If you have any further questions you should contact Cumbria's Recycling Helpline on 0845 055 1118.