Tip permits: Can You Take a Van or Trailer to the Tip?

When you are taking rubbish to the tip in a van or trailer, you will encounter a certain number of rules to make sure that free waste disposal services aren’t being misused.

If you have a large van, a trailer or commercial type of vehicle, you may have run into this problem already; you’ll need a van permit for the tip or similar. Likewise, if your vehicle could be used to run a business, you’re probably going to need a permit to visit the tip. This is to prevent companies from dumping their commercial waste at household recycling centres instead of filling out waste transfer notes.

Can You Take a Van to the Tip?

Yes, you can take a van to the tip. You will need to apply for a permit to make sure that your van isn’t being used by a business. Every tip and council are different, but the general rule is that if it looks like a trade vehicle, you won’t be allowed in without the paperwork.

Many tips have a weight limit that your vehicle isn’t allowed to exceed, but most small vans and trailers should fall within this limit. If you’re ever unsure, you can check your local tip rules online or call up the council.

Can You Take a Transit Van to the Tip?

You can only take a transit van to the tip if it isn’t being used for business waste. If you’ve hired it for disposing of household waste, a permit should get you through the gates.

Disposing of trade waste at a household tip under the pretence that it is your personal household waste is illegal, so you’ll need to look at other avenues if you’re throwing away waste produced by your business.

Can You Take a Hired Trailer to the Tip?

Yes, you can take a hired trailer to the tip to dispose of household waste. You can also take a hired van and other vehicles to the tip too, as long as they’re within the height and weight limits.

Your local tip permit application should have a tick box to inform the council that the vehicle has been hired. You shouldn’t need to provide details you don’t know, so don’t worry about not having all the information to hand that they may ask for.

What Size of Trailer Can You Take to the Tip?

The size of trailer you’re allowed depends on your local household waste recycling centre. Usually pickup-sized vehicles and trailers will be allowed through, but you should always check the weight limit rules in your area first. Some councils may have blanket rules for all of their Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), making it easy to refer to if you’re ever confused.

How Do You Get a Permit for the Tip?

To apply for a tip permit, visit your local council’s website and follow their application process. Each council has different rules, so be sure to check for any specific vehicle restrictions such as weight limits or vehicle type.

If you’re using a hired vehicle, make sure to indicate that during the application process. Typically, the council will send you the permit quickly via email. Once you have received the permit, you’re good to go.

Done right, this should help you avoid any complications when disposing of household waste at your local tip.

How Much is a Van Permit for the Tip?

The good news is that tip permits are almost always free. Your local council will have its own application process, but it shouldn’t cost you a penny to complete. Some areas may have different rules, so always check on your local council website before you apply!

Are There Any Tip Charges for Vans?

Once you have your permit, you should be able to take your van to the tip without paying any additional fees. That means that this whole process is (thankfully) free – excluding the costs to hire the van!

Tip Alternatives for Large Projects

Hiring a van and driving back and forth to the tip can be expensive and time consuming, especially if you’re already handling a large project at home. The longer you need to hire a vehicle for and the more trips you’re completing, the more fuel and rental costs will rack up, as well as the time spent on tip permit applications and loading and unloading the waste. 

For larger projects, it’s usually better to invest in a waste management company to let you focus on the exciting part - the renovation! Whether you’re disposing of white goods, wooden furniture or mattresses, there are no shortage of options available to match your budget.

If you’re redecorating rooms, knocking a shed down, or redoing your decking, a HIPPOBAG is a great alternative to making trips to the tip using a van or trailer. The bag can securely store waste, and it’ll be removed all at once when your project is complete.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you have the confidence to apply for your tip permit. Want more advice on getting rid of tricky types of waste such as TVs and fridges? Check out our blog!