Press Releases

Van permit changes at HRC

Changes are being made to the Household Recycling Centre van permit rules to help improve recycling rates at the site. 

From November 1, van drivers with permits will be able to access the site between 10am and 3pm, seven days again, instead of only between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Van drivers will also be able to apply for 12 permits a year, rather than the current 10.

Changes are also being made to the types of vehicles that require a permit. The following vehicles will now require permits:

• Vans less than 3.5 tonnes, 5m in length and 2.2m in height
• Car-derived vans, eg VW Caddy or Ford Transit Connect
• Combi vans
• Pick up trucks
• Minibuses eg Mercedes Sprinter
• Vehicles with rear seats that have permanently been removed and or blacked out rear or side windows
• Cars with trailers less than 1.8m in length

The following vehicles will not be allowed to access the site with or without a permit: 

• Vehicles exceeding 5m length or 2.2m height.
• Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
• Commercial vehicles
• Large/long-wheeled base camper vans exceeding 5 metres in length
• Campervans that no longer have their internal fixtures and fittings
• Tippers, Flat bed, box vehicles, horseboxes, caravans, motor homes, tractors
• Cars with trailers longer than 1.8m long 

Cllr Sue Morgan, Executive Member for Waste and Sustainability, said: "We have seen more people using the Household Recycling Centre, which has increased costs and sometimes leads to delays at peak times.  

"The changes to the van permit scheme will bring us in line with other authorities and reduce misuse of the site by traders.

"New, clearer information should help our residents know which vehicles require permits and they will now be able to access the site for longer periods."

Van permits cost £10 and can be applied for online or by contacting Call Torfaen on 01495 762200.

The improvements follow the introduction of new proof of address checks at the site entrance for all visitors.

Similar permit arrangements are in place at the majority of local authorities in Wales.