Balance the Tipping

Civic Amenity Sites:

The Tip, to you and me.

If you drive a van (as I do) - of any shape or size - you're screwed.

Why? Because you are automatically assumed to be carrying Trade Waste.

Each Council operates its own policy in terms of number of times you're allowed to visit the Tip with a van.

I've had experience with 3 Councils so far, and heard about a few more from friends.

Visits by van, by Council:

Harrow: 3

Newcastle: 12

Middlesbrough: unknown, at least 3+, but you have to ring for a permit (which lasts 7 days).

Streatham: 0

Their reasoning is to reduce people "taking the piss" (paraphrased).  Unfortunately, people carry on taking the piss as I know several Trade colleagues who use their wives' estate car to offload rubbish (Trade or otherwise).

If that's not taking the piss I don't know what is.

They don't need a permit but I do. In fact there are many vehicles with large capacity who don't need a permit (pick an MPV).

If I want to go to the Tip to get rid of something, no matter how small the load, I either save it up for a rainy day or use my mother's car whenever possible.

I have more thoughts, but I need a nap first.

- Gnasher