What you need to visit a household waste recycling centre

You need to have a pass or permit to visit a household waste recycling centre (tip) in Barnsley or Doncaster. To apply for a pass or permit you need to register online for a recycling centre account.

How to register

To register for an online account you'll need to tell us your full name, address and email address. You'll also need to create a password. Your account will be valid for up to three years.

When registered you'll be able to:

  • Apply for a resident, vehicle or pedestrian pass.
  • Apply for a commercial permit.
  • Make a booking to visit a recycling centre, such as to deposit asbestos or hazardous waste.

Resident pass (for cars and smaller vehicles)

A resident pass allows you to visit the recycling centre to deposit your own household waste using a:

  • Car, estate car, people carrier (less than eight people), sport utility vehicle (SUV) or 4x4 pickup
  • Camper van or minibus with up to eight seats
  • Motorbike or quad bike
  • Mobility vehicle - including a registered mobility scooter
  • Small van - including a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and car-derived van
  • Vehicle listed above which is sign-written (depositing non-business household waste)

When applying you need to upload proof of vehicle ownership. An example of this could be the log book (V5C). If you don’t have the log book as the vehicle is leased or owned by your employer, you need to upload documents such as:

  • Your lease or Motability agreement.
  • If applicable, a letter from your employer. This should give you permission to use the vehicle. It should also state that the waste isn't from the business. The letter must include your name, address and the vehicle registration number.

If your address or vehicle details change in future, you need to update your account or re-apply for a pass.

Vehicle pass (for vans and trailers)

A vehicle pass allows you to visit the recycling centre to deposit your own household waste using a:

  • Medium/large van (typically a panel van)
  • Medium/large sign-written van
  • Resident pass vehicle towing a trailer (single axle with no high sides)

A vehicle pass allows you access to the recycling centres up to 12 times per year from the date you apply. We'll send you a reminder one month before your pass expires. You can then renew it for a new set 12 visits for the next year. These visits will start on the anniversary of when you first applied for the pass.

When you apply, you need to upload proof of vehicle ownership, such as the log book (V5C). If you don’t have the log book as the vehicle is leased or owned by your employer, you need to upload documents such as:

  • Your lease or Motability agreement.
  • If applicable, a letter from your employer. This should give you permission to use the vehicle. It should also state that the waste isn't from the business. The letter must include your name, address and the vehicle registration number.

If your address or vehicle details change in future, you need to update your account or re-apply for a pass.

Pedestrian pass

A pedestrian pass allows you to bring your own household waste to the recycling centre on foot. You also need a pedestrian pass if you're visiting on a bicycle, mobility scooter or by bus.

As well as having a pass, you need to pre-book each visit through your online account.

You must be resident in our area to apply for a pedestrian pass. If your address changes, you need to update your online account. The pass doesn't allow you to park nearby and walk your waste onto site.

Commercial permit

Pay to drop (coming soon)

A commercial permit allows you to get rid of your business, landlord or property development waste. This will let you deposit the waste at the following recycling centres:

  • Goldthorpe and Worsbrough (Barnsley)
  • Armthorpe, Carcroft and Rossington (Doncaster)

The permit allows an unlimited number of visits to a recycling centre when using the registered vehicle. This vehicle can have a maximum gross revenue weight of 3500kg.

You must also:

  • Have a valid waste carrier licence or waste carrier exemption (if applicable).
  • Only deposit accepted commercial waste at the specified recycling centres.
  • Pay the appropriate charge for the volume and type of material at the time of disposal. This can be paid by debit or credit card only.

When you need to book a visit

One-off bookings

You need to make a one-off booking to visit a recycling centre if:

  • You've changed vehicle and waiting to receive your log book (V5C), so can't yet apply for a pass. 
  • You're bringing household waste from a neighbour or family member who lives in Barnsley or Doncaster.
  • You've hired a van (must be under 3500kg gross vehicle weight).
  • The vehicle you're visiting in isn't yours (must be under 3500kg gross vehicle weight).
  • You're experiencing bereavement.

Pedestrian bookings

You need to make a pedestrian booking each time you want to visit a recycling centre without a vehicle. For example: if you want to visit on foot, or are using a bicycle or mobility scooter.

You must also have a pedestrian pass to be able to make a pedestrian booking.

Asbestos waste bookings

We can accept small quantities of asbestos from your own home by prior booking. This can only be deposited at either the Worsbrough (Barnsley) or Armthorpe (Doncaster) recycling centres. Restrictions apply.

You need to make a booking to dispose of asbestos before you visit the site.

Please note the following safety advice before you book:

  • Site staff are unable to physically assist with the disposal of asbestos. They'll unlock the opening for you to dispose of the packages yourself.
  • We recommend the use of personal protective equipment such as eye protection and a face mask when using the asbestos container. This will need to be brought with you when you visit.
  • The asbestos container’s opening is located 142cm from the ground. Please make sure you can lift the packages to this height safely. You may wish to bring someone with you to help you lift.

Hazardous waste bookings

Waste is hazardous when it contains substances that might make it harmful to human health or cause harm to the environment. The term ‘hazardous’ does not always mean that the waste is toxic.

Please only purchase the correct amount for the job you're doing. If you have some left over, please pass it on to someone who can use it. This will reduce the amount of hazardous waste that may need to be disposed of.

Any hazardous waste from a business, school or a charity must be disposed of through a private licensed contractor.

Hazardous waste can be deposited at the recycling centres by making a booking using your digital account before you visit. You can dispose of your own hazardous waste up to two times per year. Restrictions apply to the type and amount you can bring in. For further information on what you can bring and how to safely package these, please see our guide to disposing of hazardous waste.

Charity bookings

Local charities and community groups with charitable status can visit the recycling centres at Worsbrough (Barnsley) and Armthorpe (Doncaster). This will allow them to dispose of household waste that:

  • Has been collected from within the borough for sale in a charity shop.
  • Would otherwise have been collected and disposed of by the council.

Charities can visit the site up to 18 times per year and need to book before visiting. They must also:

  • Have a valid waste carrier licence or waste carrier exemption (if applicable).
  • Only deposit the accepted waste at the specified recycling centre.

More information

If you need a resident pass but haven't applied for one

If you haven't yet applied for a resident pass, you'll need to show proof of where you live at the recycling centre.

You might also need to complete a waste disclaimer form. This is to confirm that the rubbish is from your home and not commercial waste.

You'll need to apply for a resident pass as soon as possible to continue being able to use the recycling centre.

If you're having problems with your online account

If you have any problems setting up your online account, please email hwrcpass@barnsley.gov.uk.

You can also email if you have any problems applying for a pass or permit, or making a booking.

Vehicles you're not allowed to use to visit a recycling centre

  • Vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 3500kg
  • Flatbed or tipper van
  • Twin-axle vehicle or twin-axle trailer
  • Medium/large van towing a trailer
  • Agricultural or construction vehicle
  • Off-road vehicle
  • Vehicle with a horse box or livestock trailer
  • Vehicle with a commercial or high-sided trailer
  • Vehicle without a registration number
  • Vehicle without appropriate insurance or MOT certificate

Cancelling your pass or permit

Your account will be active for three years from when you apply. You can cancel your pass, permit, booking or account through your online dashboard.

We reserve the right to cancel your permit immediately if you breach the terms of use.

The councils and HW Martin will not tolerate abuse, violence or threats of harm towards site staff or service users. The site staff are there to help and assist residents using the recycling centre. Action will be taken against anyone displaying inappropriate or threatening behaviour.