Bickenhill Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) permit scheme
Commercial type vehicles (such as vans and pick-up trucks), campervans and cars towing a large trailer need a permit to visit Bickenhill HWRC.
If you are planning to visit the site, please be aware:
- you must pre-book an appointment
- waste must be from a Solihull residential address
- each permit allows 12 visits within a 12-month period from the date of issue
- only one permit will be issued per:
- household
- vehicle
- person
There are restricted visit times for permit holders. These are:
| Day of the week | Restricted visit time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00am until 2:00pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00am until 15 minutes before closing* |
| Wednesday | 10:00am until 2:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am until 2:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am until 2:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am until 2:00pm |
| Sunday & Bank Holiday | No access allowed |
*Closing times for Bickenhill HWRC are:
- April to November: 6:30pm
- December to March: 5:30pm
Vehicles requiring a permit
The following vehicles require a permit to visit Bickenhill HWRC:
- a car with a small trailer in between 6ft (1.83m) and 9ft 6in (2.10m) in length including the tow bar
- a van (cannot be towing a trailer)
- single cab, double cab and king cab pick ups (cannot be towing a trailer)
- any vehicle with 8 seats or more e.g. mini bus (cannot be towing a trailer)
- 4 x 4 vehicles without rear side windows (cannot be towing a trailer)
- 4 x 4 vehicles with rear side windows towing a trailer
- campervans and campervan conversions
Apply for permit
Find out how to apply for a permit for Bickenhill HWRC.
If you are visiting the site before 3 August 2026
If you are visiting the site before 3 August 2026 and require a permit, please call 0121 704 8000.
You will need to know your vehicle registration.
You will receive your permit by post within 10 working days.
If you are visiting on or after 3 August 2026
Paper permits will no longer be issued on or after 3 August 2026.
You will need to apply online for an e-permit.
Once approved, you can book an appointment immediately.
Book an appointment
Appointments will be available on a first come, first served basis. Each appointment slot will be for 15 minutes.
Please pre-sort recycling and waste at home for a quick turnaround time to help the site remain on schedule.
Vehicles not accepted on site
The following vehicles are not allowed on site:
- any commercial waste
- any trailer over 2.10 metres (9ft 6in) including the tow bar
- any vehicle in excess of the weight restriction (3.5 tonnes)
- any vehicle in excess of the height restriction (6ft 9in or 2.05m)
- long wheel based vans, double or twin axle vans
- vans towing a trailer
- single cab, double cab, king cab pick ups towing a trailer
- 4 x 4 vehicle without rear side windows towing a trailer
- any vehicle with 8 seats or more towing a trailer
Hire vehicles
If you've hired a car and checked it doesn't meet any of our restrictions, you can use our booking form for your visit.
Hire vehicle permits if you are visiting the site before 3 August 2026
If you are visiting Bickenhill HWRC before 3 August 2026 and require a permit, please call 0121 704 8000.
Hire vehicles must be booked 48 hours in advance of attending the site.
Hire vehicle permits from 3 August 2026
From 3 August 2026, you will need to apply online for a hire vehicle permit. You will then be able to book an appointment online.
Visiting the site
When you visit the site using a hire vehicle, you must bring:
- your booking reference number
- your hire documents
- proof of residency
Commercial waste
Commercial waste cannot be taken to Bickenhill Household Waste Recycling Centre.
We won't accept waste from work done by a trader or commercial building company, even if it's from a residential home.