Vans/trailers with a permit and hired vans can access the site from 8.30am to 5.30pm, seven days a week.
Owned vans and trailers
Vans and trailers are allowed to bring household waste to Chelson Meadow if they have a valid permit.
If you're a Plymouth resident you can apply for a free permit. The vehicle the permit is for must be owned by you and there is a limit of 1 permit per household.
When applying you will need:
- Vehicle Registration Document (V5 log book, all pages) this must be registered to your current address
- your driving licence
- Council Tax or utility bill from the last three months to be uploaded at the time of application
You will need to apply again when you have reached your maximum number of visits.
Number of visits
You can make 12 trips a year before you need to reapply if your:
- vehicle is Vauxhall Corsa size
- trailer under 1.8 metres long
You can make 6 trips a year before you need to reapply if your:
- vehicle is Ford Transit size
- trailer between 1.8 and three metres long
If you only have green or garden waste it will not count as a trip.
Eligibility
You are eligible for a permit if you are a Plymouth resident and you don't already have a permit:
- in your household
- for your vehicle
Excluded vehicles
The following vehicles cannot apply for a permit:
- vehicles that are over 3.5 tonnes when fully laden or over 3 metres long
- any flatbed or dropside tipper style vehicle
Camper vans
All camper vans require a permit except those with:
- windows throughout the vehicle (no panels) and 2 rows of seats in the back
- a fitted sink and cooker
Change of address
If you have changed address your permit is still valid. You will need to let us know by emailing vanpermits@plymouth.gov.uk with proof of address. E.g. Council Tax bill or updated driving licence.
Changed my vehicle
You will need to apply for a new permit. You will need to send your current permit by post to:
Plymouth City Council
Ballard House
West Hoe Rd
Plymouth
PL1 3BJ
Lost permit
If you have lost your permit you will need to reapply for another permit. There will be a £10 charge.
We reserve the right to investigate and if necessary withdraw your permit
Under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) it is an offence to illegally deposit materials.
A Waste Carrier Licence is needed to collect or transport material which isn't from your household.
Claiming material as household waste when it did not come from your house is an offence.
Hired vans
If you have hired a van for no more than three days, you do not need a permit.
If you live in Plymouth
To use our recycling centres you need to provide proof of your Plymouth address. This can be one of the following:
- Council Tax bill
- driving licence
- gas or electricity bill
You will also need to provide the van hire agreement.
Outside of Plymouth
If you are clearing a house following a bereavement you will need to provide:
- a copy death certificate
- the van hire agreement