Wigan tip permit: how it works
Using a van or pick-up at a Wigan tip? Here's how the free permit works, checked against Wigan Council pages on 30 October 2026.
- A van, pick-up, flat-back or vehicle with blanked-out rear windows needs a permit
- Permits are free, emailed within about 2 hours, and last one visit within 7 days
- Order online. You can apply on the day you go
- The council reviews your case after 12 permits in 12 months
- Bring your photo driving licence
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Who needs one
The council says a permit lets residents using a vehicle other than a car deposit household waste from their own property. That covers any vehicle without side or rear windows or seats in the rear, any flat-back, any pick-up with or without a cover, and any vehicle with blanked-out rear windows. A car, with or without a small trailer, does not need one.
How to apply
- Order the free waste permit online on the council website
- It is emailed to you, usually within 2 hours, so you can order on the day
- Check every detail on it before you go, because wrong details mean you are refused
- Use it within 7 days of issue. It covers one visit and only counts once scanned at the site
Rules
- Bring your photo driving licence. If it is a paper licence, also bring a utility bill
- The amount you bring should be reasonable for the size of the vehicle. No fixed limit is given
- A works van needs the owner's permission, and the council must be satisfied you are a householder, not a trader
- Hire vehicle: order the free permit only after you have hired the vehicle, then bring the hire agreement, the permit and your licence. See hire vans at Wigan tips
The 12 permit review
The council says each household gets 12 permits in a 12-month period, counted from your first permit request, and that there is a review after 12 permits have been redeemed. Each case is looked at individually, and anyone abusing the system is stopped from getting permits.