Bolton tip van permit
Taking a van or trailer to a Bolton tip? Here's the permit, checked against Bolton Council and Recycle for Greater Manchester pages on 31 October 2026.
- Your own van, pick-up or twin axle trailer needs a permit. A car does not
- The permit is free. Apply online at least 2 working days before the first visit
- Vans and twin axle trailers get 18 visits a year. No vans over 5.3 metres or 3.5 tonnes
- It works at any Greater Manchester recycling centre, except where size limits apply
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Who needs one
Bolton Council says a permit is needed for your own van, pick-up truck or twin axle trailer, and that no permit is needed for a car. Recycle for Greater Manchester adds hired vans, car-derived vans and campervans. The sites are for household waste only: business or trade waste is not accepted at any of them.
How to apply
- Apply online through Recycle for Greater Manchester, at least 2 working days before your first visit
- Upload a copy of the V5C log book and proof of address. For a hire van, upload the hire agreement showing your name and address instead, plus proof of address
- Wait for the email. Check your junk folder
- Bring the van with sorted household waste only
The full document list is in our Greater Manchester van permit guide, which covers the same scheme.
Visit limits
| Vehicle | Visits a year |
|---|---|
| Car or car with a single axle trailer (no permit) | 52 |
| Van, pick-up or twin axle trailer (permit) | 18 |
Visits reset on 1 April. If you apply part way through the year, Recycle for Greater Manchester gives 1.5 visits for each month left, including the month you are accepted. Bolton Council's page also lists 12 visits for vans over 3.5 tonnes, but Recycle for Greater Manchester says vans over 5.3 metres or 3.5 tonnes are not allowed at any recycling centre, so check before going in a large van.
Since May 2022, residents with vehicles over 2 metres high can use the recycling centres rather than the weighbridge, according to Bolton Council.
Council or tip not working out? Tell us what needs clearing and licensed local companies will call you with prices. Free, no obligation.
Get free quotesPick-ups
Hurstwood Court does not take pick-up trucks. Salford Road is on the list of larger sites for pick-ups, but its site rules also say no pick-ups, so ring before you go.