Stoke tip van and trailer permit: the new rules
Stoke-on-Trent is changing how vans and trailers use its tips. Here's what you need to know, checked against Stoke-on-Trent City Council pages on 27 October 2026.
- From 2 November, vans and trailers need a free permit
- You must also book each visit
- Limit: 12 visits a year
- Commercial-type vehicles may be asked for a driving licence
- No trade waste, ever
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What's changing
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's tip pages say that from 2 November, residents using a van, trailer or other eligible vehicle must register for a free waste permit and book a visit before going to Hanford or Burslem. Details and registration are on the council's household waste permits page.
Who needs it
- Anyone coming in a van
- Anyone towing a trailer
- Other vehicles the council lists as eligible on its permits page
Cars without a trailer don't need a permit, but you still need proof of your Stoke-on-Trent address.
Limits and charges
- Van and trailer visits are limited to 12 a year, and staff can turn away excessive visits
- Drivers of commercial-type vehicles may be asked for a copy of their driving licence
- DIY rubble and plasterboard over the free amount are charged by the load: up to £125.25 for a full Transit of rubble. See tip charges
- No trade or commercial waste
Got a one-off clear-out and no van of your own? A licensed rubbish removal company brings the van, needs no permit, and loads it for you.