Frequently asked questions
Household recycling centre frequently asked questions
- Q: When did we introduce the restrictions?
- Q: Which sites are affected?
- Q: How did we publicise the restrictions policy?
- Q: I live outside the county and did not know about the restrictions.
- Q: Why did we introduce the restrictions?
- Q: Just how serious a problem was trade waste abuse?
- Q: Why can't traders deposit waste at the HRCs?
- Q: I pay my council tax, why can't I use the services I am paying for?
- Q: Restricting me from using my van will result in many more trips to the HRC.
- Q: I can't fit my large item of waste into a car.
- Q: This policy will lead to more fly-tipping
- Q: What size of Trailer is allowed?
- Q: How much rubble type waste can I deliver to the household recycling centre (HRC)?
- Q: Can commercial type vehicles use the site?
- Q: The van is in my name but my wife has a car, can I have a permit or commercial vehicle voucher for the van?
- Q: The van is much cleaner and more convenient compared to using the car, why can't I use the van instead?
- Q: Which vehicles do not require a residential exemption permit or voucher?
- Q: I have a car that has sign writing displayed on it, can I visit the site with that?
- Q: I hired the van just for the day, can I use the site?
- Q: Can I borrow my works van and use the HRC?
- Q: My only vehicle is my works van, can I use that for access to the HRC?
- Q: If I change my van to be registered from my business to my name and home address can I then have a residential exemption permit?
- Q: I use my van to get to and from work, can I gain access to a site?
- Q: Do you issue emergency permits to allow access to the Household Recycling Centre with a van?
- Q: Can I use a hired trailer?
- Q: I usually use the Somerley, Verwood site but can no longer access the site with my van. What has changed?
- Q: I live outside the Dorset area, can I still have a permit?
- Q: How many times am I allowed to use the household recycling centre with my van?
- Q: How much does a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher cost?
- Q: Have site staff got the right to question the origins of the load I take to the Household recycling Centre?
- Q: What do I do with my permit or vouchers once I receive them?
- Q: Can someone else use my residential exemption permit or vouchers?
- Q: Can I use the permit to deliver waste on behalf of someone else?
- Q: Who decided on this policy?
- Q: Can I park outside the Household Recycling Centre and walk waste in?
- Q: Can I use a residential exemption permit or voucher for household recycling centres other than those controlled by Dorset County Council?
- Q: Can I use a trailer towed behind a van?
- Q: Has this policy been challenged?
- Q: How long does the permit and vouchers last for?
- Q: How much do I pay in my council tax towards the household recycling centre (HRC) service?
- Q: I have a dual cab pick up, do I need a permit or voucher?
- Q: I have a pick up truck, can I use that?
- Q: I have two vans and no other vehicle, can they both have permits?
- Q: I live in the borough of Bournemouth, can I have a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher?
- Q: I live in the borough of Poole can I have a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher?
- Q: My van / truck is large, can I still have a permit or voucher?
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Q: When did we introduce the restrictions?
A: We originally introduced the restrictions at all household recycling centres (HRCs) controlled by the county council in January 2003 and these were amended in 2009.
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Q: Which sites are affected?
A: All eleven sites in the Dorset County Council administrative area, they are;
Read more about Which sites are affected?
Up to the questions -
Q: How did we publicise the restrictions policy?
A: Initially we publicised the policy through the local media. We clearly display signage at the sites and provide explanatory leaflets to keep site users informed of any changes. Also updated information can be accessed on this website.
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Q: I live outside the county and did not know about the restrictions.
A: Unfortunately, there are no exceptions regardless of the circumstances and neither the staff responsible for implementing and enforcing the policy working in the Waste Management Division at County Hall nor the recycling centre staff have any discretion to make special provisions.
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Q: Why did we introduce the restrictions?
A: The focus of the restrictions was and still is to tackle the very serious problem of trade abuse of the household recycling centres (HRCs) by small traders, typically but not exclusively jobbing builders and landscape gardeners. Originally we simply gave discretion and the full authority of the county council to the site operator to question suspect loads and turn them away if necessary. Despite our best endeavours this approach was simply not working and we had to take remedial action.
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Q: Just how serious a problem was trade waste abuse?
A: As the costs of legitimate waste disposal for traders increased, the temptation to avoid costs by using Household Waste Recycling Centres became greater. To give an indication of the scale of the problem we initially carried out survey work across our network of 11 sites and this revealed that up to 10% of the 77,000 tonnes of waste received was probably from trade (commercial or industrial) activity. With current running costs (including haulage and landfill disposal rates) we are paying in the order of £80 to £90 per tonne of waste.
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Q: Why can't traders deposit waste at the HRCs?
A: Traders are not permitted to deposit waste from commercial or industrial activity at the HRCs as the sites are not licensed to accept it. This means that the site operator as licence holder is breaking the law if he knowingly accepts waste from traders and the business is also in breach of the law by delivering trade waste to a site which is not appropriately licensed. The Environment Agency regulates waste activities and issue and enforce the conditions of these licences through regular monitoring. It was very clear that we simply could not continue to effectively subsidise this illegal activity and pass the costs on to local council tax payers and this was one of the principal reasons that we introduced the restrictions.
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Q: I pay my council tax, why can't I use the services I am paying for?
A: The commercial vehicle and waste restrictions policy was made in response to a genuine serious problem (trade abuse of the facilities) and it was introduced through the proper channels by the county council. The policy does not prevent you from using the site, it is designed to effectively control the possible abuse of the facilities.
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Q: Restricting me from using my van will result in many more trips to the HRC.
A: It is accepted that restricting vans and large trailers may result in multiple trips being made by customers. We hope that customers will be able to make suitable alternative arrangements and if more than one visit is required, that these are made in the most environmentally conscious manner possible.
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Q: I can't fit my large item of waste into a car.
A: It is acknowledged that larger items such as domestic appliances will not necessarily fit into standard cars. There are a number of alternatives for customers although one solution will not suit all circumstances. Examples of ways around this issue could be to break up larger items of furniture to place them in the car boot or consider home composting. Consider if you have friends, neighbours or relatives who may have cars and trailers, people carriers or permitted vans who are able to lend a hand?
Read more about I can't fit my large item of waste into a car.
Up to the questions -
Q: This policy will lead to more fly-tipping
A: Fly-tipping is a national problem particularly with the escalating costs of legitimate waste disposal. It has always occurred and there has always been an unscrupulous element of the community who resort to this anti-social activity.
Read more about This policy will lead to more fly-tipping
Up to the questions -
Q: What size of Trailer is allowed?
A: The size of trailers is limited to 6'X4' (1.8m X 1.2m). This is the width of the main body rather than including the wheels and towing frame. No permits are issued for trailers over these dimensions and for clarity; no special permits are required for trailers below this size.
Read more about What size of Trailer is allowed?
Up to the questions -
Q: How much rubble type waste can I deliver to the household recycling centre (HRC)?
A: This type of waste is restricted to six bags (or the equivalent of what could fit into a standard family saloon car boot) per month. The rubble does not have to be in bags, it can be loose and this type of waste would include stones, bricks, concrete, tarmac, paving slabs, slates and tiles.
Read more about How much rubble type waste can I deliver to the household recycling centre (HRC)?
Up to the questions -
Q: Can commercial type vehicles use the site?
A: Yes, but commercial type vehicle access is restricted depending on ownership and usage. For the purpose of our restrictions policy, vans are defined as vehicles which have a rear load carrying capacity instead of rear seats and panels to the rear instead of windows. Site users may be eligible for the following;
Read more about Can commercial type vehicles use the site?
Up to the questions -
Q: The van is in my name but my wife has a car, can I have a permit or commercial vehicle voucher for the van?
A: Unfortunately you would not be eligible for a residential exemption permit as you have another vehicle at the address and do not meet the criteria. You would however be able to apply for the commercial vehicle voucher scheme.
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Q: The van is much cleaner and more convenient compared to using the car, why can't I use the van instead?
A: You may be able to use your van, as you could be eligible for the commercial vehicle voucher scheme.
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Q: Which vehicles do not require a residential exemption permit or voucher?
A: Vehicles exempt are: Cars, estate cars, people carriers, camper vans, 4x4's, mini buses, caravanettes and dual cab pick-ups, this is because the purpose and design of the vehicle is to carry people or for leisure pursuits rather than to carry bulk goods.
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Q: I have a car that has sign writing displayed on it, can I visit the site with that?
A: Yes, there is absolutely no problem using a car, people carrier or any of the other exempt vehicles with sign writing displayed (e.g. a taxi) so long as the items being deposited is household waste.
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Q: I hired the van just for the day, can I use the site?
A: Yes, If you have hired it from a hire company for a period of less than three days, and have a copy of the hire agreement. Please note, terms and conditions apply and you will have to show the agreement to site staff for administrative purposes.
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Q: Can I borrow my works van and use the HRC?
A: Yes, but only to deposit household waste and you would need to apply for the commercial vehicle voucher scheme. Please note terms and conditions apply.
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Q: My only vehicle is my works van, can I use that for access to the HRC?
A: Yes, but only to deposit household waste and you would need to apply for the commercial vehicle voucher scheme. Please note terms and conditions apply.
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Q: If I change my van to be registered from my business to my name and home address can I then have a residential exemption permit?
A: Yes, as it would meet the strict criteria for eligibility, so long as it meets the other general requirements (it is the sole means of transport for the household and it is not sign written and not used for business use). If you wished to be eligible for the commercial vehicle voucher scheme you would not have to re-register your vehicle in the first place.
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Q: I use my van to get to and from work, can I gain access to a site?
A: Yes, as long as the general criteria are met and the waste is genuine household waste, we will issue a permit or voucher.
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Q: Do you issue emergency permits to allow access to the Household Recycling Centre with a van?
A: No, there are no exceptions regardless of the circumstances and staff are under strict instructions to refuse access to vans without the benefit of a residential exemption permit, commercial vehicle voucher or hire van agreement. Site staff do not have the power or the means to issue permits or vouchers. The county council's offices issue these and as checks on eligibility can take up to 10 working days to complete, it is not possible for us to process an application immediately.
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Q: Can I use a hired trailer?
A: Yes, as long as the dimensions of the trailer meet with our criteria - 1.2 x 1.8 metres (4' x 6') and is delivering genuine household waste.
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Q: I usually use the Somerley, Verwood site but can no longer access the site with my van. What has changed?
A: On 14 February 2008, Hampshire County Council, who directly provide and control this facility, introduced similar trade waste controls to those employed by Dorset. As part of the scheme they do not issue permits for vans to Dorset residents.
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Q: I live outside the Dorset area, can I still have a permit?
A: We are often asked by customers with second homes or those visiting relatives that reside in the county, for example if they can have a permit for their van. The answer is yes provided that they comply with the eligibility criteria. The only exception to this is if the address in question is located within Bournemouth borough.
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Q: How many times am I allowed to use the household recycling centre with my van?
A: For residential exemption permits there is no limit on the number of visits, provided that the waste delivered is genuine household waste and not from a trade source. With regard to the commercial vehicle voucher scheme, this has been limited to three vouchers (visits) to be used in a 12 month period, weekdays only, excluding Bank Holidays.
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Q: How much does a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher cost?
A: Nothing, it is issued free of charge as long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.
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Q: Have site staff got the right to question the origins of the load I take to the Household recycling Centre?
A: Yes, the site operator's staff have the full authority of the county council to question suspect loads and refuse access if necessary. This authority applies regardless of the holding of a valid residential exemption permit or voucher.
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Q: What do I do with my permit or vouchers once I receive them?
A: Ideally keep them safely in your van, you will need to allow site staff to view your permit details each time you visit the household recycling centre. In the case of the commercial vehicle voucher scheme household recycling centre staff will retain a voucher upon each visit made to a facility.
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Q: Can someone else use my residential exemption permit or vouchers?
A: No, they are not transferable and abuse of either scheme in this manner could result in the permit or voucher being cancelled.
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Q: Can I use the permit to deliver waste on behalf of someone else?
A: As general guidance, when visiting the household recycling centre the waste should be your own household waste from your own property, and you should make the delivery in your own vehicle.
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Q: Who decided on this policy?
A: Dorset County Council made this policy which received approval from its cabinet.
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Q: Can I park outside the Household Recycling Centre and walk waste in?
A: No, if residents drive to a facility to deposit their household waste, they should use that vehicle to access the site. Additionally we do not permit this on the grounds that it circumvents the policy by allowing those adversely affected to use the facility in this way. If a resident has no access to the use of a vehicle and have walked from home with the household waste, the site staff will allow access but advise against entry to the site on safety and traffic obstruction grounds as the sites have no dedicated pedestrian access.
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Q: Can I use a residential exemption permit or voucher for household recycling centres other than those controlled by Dorset County Council?
A: No, if for example you wish to use sites in the neighbouring authorities of Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire you would have to abide by their rules on vehicles and waste. Links to these authority's web sites are available by following the links to the right hand side of the main household recycling centre page.
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Q: Can I use a trailer towed behind a van?
A: No, even if the van has the benefit of a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher. We will not allow vans towing trailers (of any size) access to the household recycling centre. If the household waste is loaded directly into the (permitted) van instead we will accept that as an alternative. The reasoning behind this is that one of the principle aims of restricting vans and large trailers was to improve safety by minimising vehicle and load sizes. Also the maximum weight of waste permitted per visit under the current policy has been set at one tonne.
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Q: Has this policy been challenged?
A: Yes, the new policy which is considered fairer than the previous policy was determined by a special Policy Development Panel (consisting of county council elected members and representatives of the Waste Management team) that the restrictions would remain but with some minor changes to enhance the service for 2009. The 'van ban' policy was also challenged through the Local Government Ombudsman who determined that the policy was soundly based and properly implemented.
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Q: How long does the permit and vouchers last for?
A: Both schemes are renewable annually.
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Q: How much do I pay in my council tax towards the household recycling centre (HRC) service?
A: Council tax covers a wide range of important services provided by the district and county councils. The amount of council tax an average household in Dorset pays towards the HRCs is approximately £10 per year.
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Q: I have a dual cab pick up, do I need a permit or voucher?
A: No, providing that it is not sign written or used for business or commercial activity.
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Q: I have a pick up truck, can I use that?
A: Pick up trucks are treated in exactly the same manner as vans, so if they meet the eligibility criteria in all respects then they can be issued with a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher (upon application).
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Q: I have two vans and no other vehicle, can they both have permits?
A: No, only one of the vans would be eligible to receive a residential exemption permit provided of course that it meets the general eligibility criteria. If they do not you could apply for the commercial vehicle voucher scheme for one of the vehicles.
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Q: I live in the borough of Bournemouth, can I have a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher?
A: No, Dorset County Council does not issue residential exemption permits or vouchers to Bournemouth residents (even though they may live closer to our Christchurch HRC). Please contact Bournemouth Borough Council for details of their permit scheme run along similar lines to Dorset's allowing access to the Millhams site at Longham. Bournemouth Borough Council Cleansing Services can be contacted on 01202 461199.
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Q: I live in the borough of Poole can I have a residential exemption permit or commercial vehicle voucher?
A: Yes, as long as the van meets the general eligibility criteria we will issue a residential exemption permit to access sites under Dorset County Council control. This is due to reciprocal arrangements between the authorities.
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Q: My van / truck is large, can I still have a permit or voucher?
A: As a general rule the largest size of van we will accept on site is a Ford Transit sized vehicle, typically of no more than 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
