Help and FAQs

We are making the charity permit system easier for charities to use. You will be able to update charity details yourself by logging into your account on the permit system. Duty of Care notes (DOCs) can also be completed electronically and will be available for you to download directly from your account as well as your tipping permit once the documents have been processed with Suez, our waste contractor.

The main changes include:

DOCs

DOCs will be in an electronic format. This means that there will be no need to download, complete each section manually and then email them back to us.

The permit system will autofill DOCs with the information you have entered onto your application on the permit system. Upon renewal it is important that you recheck that all information on your applications (including charity contact information, shop/premises address, waste carrier’s licence) is current and correct and then you will be required to sign (electronically), date, and tick confirmation and compliance questions when you are renewing your permit.

The DOCs will then be processed automatically via the system by our waste contractor and there is nothing more you need to do until you receive a further email notification.

Charity details

You can easily change details yourself by logging into your account, selecting the application icon and edit application, to change any of the following information:

• Charity contact name, email address and contact phone number
• Charity address - Address changes to permits that are within the same council will require new DOCs to be completed and once processed a new tipping permit will be released. Address changes outside of the current council area will need a new application completing, the system will guide you to do this.
• Vehicle registrations - These changes will require an updated tipping permit, the system will notify you of this and once processed a tipping permit will become available to download.
• Adding another waste item/type (i.e. general, paper and card, POPs etc) - These changes, if permitted at the site you take your waste to, will require new DOCs, the system will notify you of this and you will then see DOCs for you to complete which will then be processed automatically by the system.

Waste carrier details

You can easily change details of your waste carrier yourself by logging into your account, selecting the application icon and selecting edit application to change. These changes will require you to complete new DOCs.

Application status update

A new ‘Status’ column has been added to the view on your permit account so that you can see the current status and stage of your permit during the renew or a new application process.

The expiry date is on your current tipping permit. You can also log into your permit account to see the expiry date (this is shown as the ‘end date’ on the menu bar when you view your application). Additionally, when your permit is due to renew you will receive an automated email from the permit system 2 weeks before your current permit’s expiry date.

The permit won’t renew automatically. You need annual DOCs, compliance documents and council approval for your tipping permit.

2 weeks before your tipping permit expires, you will receive an automated email with a link to the application on your account. The renewal application status will indicate that you have DOCs to complete. Sign and date the electronic DOCs online after ticking the confirmation and compliance boxes.

The system will then send the documents directly to Suez for processing. Once completed, you will receive an email notification that they are ready to be downloaded from the system, along with your new tipping permit.

An automated email with a link to your application and account will be sent, instructing you to download the new documents and your tipping permit. This process can take up to 10 days but is typically faster.

Download 2 copies of your permit and DOCs for each waste type from your permit account. Keep one copy at the charity premises and one copy in the vehicle used for transporting your waste. Charity drivers must show these documents to weighbridge staff at each visit.

Log into your permit account to view the new ‘status’ column showing the current progress of your tipping permit.

You can easily change details yourself by logging into your account, selecting the application icon and edit application.

You can easily change details yourself by logging into your account, selecting the application icon and edit application. Address changes to permits that are within the same council will only require new DOCs to be completed and an updated tipping permit, the system will notify you of this and once processed a tipping permit will become available to download. Address changes outside of the current council area will need a new application completing, the system will guide you to do this.

If your new charity address is within your current permit’s council area, the system will prompt you to sign and date new DOCs and once processed with your updated tipping permit you will need to show these at the waste site. DOCs are legal documents and must have the correct charity address to be valid.

If your new charity address is outside your current permit’s council area, the system will guide you to submit a new application. Enter the new postcode in the search function, select the address from the options provided, and the details will automatically fill in. Recheck all information is correct and once submitted your application will then be processed and reviewed by the new council.

No, waste must be taken to a site within your council area, as the costs are covered by your local council.

You can easily change details yourself by logging into your account, selecting the application icon and edit application. These changes will require an updated tipping permit, the system will notify you of this and once processed a tipping permit will become available to download. Permits are only valid for the vehicle(s) registration number(s) stated on the permit.

Please keep a record of the number of non-recyclable tips you have done. If you lose track, email GMWaste@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk to request this information.

No, only 12 tips of non-recyclable household waste are permitted in a 12-month period. Once your current permit expires you are required to reapply online.

All charities must reapply for a tipping permit every 12 months to make sure the charity still meet the Charity Tipping Permit scheme criteria.

If you have multiple charity shops or premises, you can apply for a separate permit for each one. Only one permit is allowed per premises.

Visits with separated recyclable waste types, such as paper and cardboard, wood, metals, and small electrical equipment, are unlimited. Please note that different waste types are accepted at each waste site.

The GMCA is committed to recycle as much waste as possible, to do this we need your help. We understand that not all household donations that charities receive can be reused or resold. The more recycling you separate, means less waste going to landfill or energy recovery. All general non-recyclable waste is shredded at sites then transported by train to an Energy Recovery Facility in Runcorn where it is burnt to make electricity for renewable energy.

We place a limit on non-recyclable tips, 12 per permit term, due to the rising costs of the disposal of non-recyclable household waste. Based on tipping levels, we feel this is adequate for all charities to dispose of non-recyclable household waste.

We regularly monitor site usage. If you exceed the 12 non-recyclable waste tip limit, we will notify the council that approved your permit application, and they will contact you to review options.

The facilities are mainly used for council vehicles to deliver waste and recycling collected from households. By tipping between 8am-10am and 3pm-5pm, there are fewer council vehicles, and your waiting time will be reduced.

A tipping permit is exclusively for the disposal of donated household goods that are not suitable for reuse or resale from an individual charity premises. This waste can include general non-recyclable waste or separated recyclable waste i.e. paper and card or wood (recyclable waste types allowed at sites vary).

The layout of each waste disposal site varies, and certain facilities may not be equipped to accept all types of recyclable materials. The application screen will only allow you to tick the waste types that are accepted at the waste site available for you to use in your council area.

• Waste produced from day-to-day business operations. This is chargeable per business rates
• White goods including fridges/fridge freezers
• TV’s and computer equipment including monitors
• Food
• Textiles (charities should have their own outlets for this waste)
• House clearance waste
• Green / garden waste
• Any building or rubble waste
• Any Hazardous Waste (except Small Electrical Equipment if the site accepts that waste)

If you are at the site and they do not allow you to tip the waste in your vehicle you need to check:

• You are tipping between 8am-10am and 3pm-5pm
• You have the correct DOCs for the waste types you are tipping
• You have a valid tipping permit which is displayed in the vehicle’s windscreen
• You have a valid tipping permit which contains the correct vehicle registration numbers
• You have a valid Waste Carriers Licence
• You are in a vehicle that is the maximum vehicle size permitted - up to 3.5 tonnes (for example, transit/box van)
• Your recyclable waste is separated from non-recyclable waste
• Your driver is wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

If you have checked all of the above and the weighbridge staff will still not allow you to tip your waste, ask them to contact their admin team as all your documents are valid and rules have been followed. If you are still having trouble, you can telephone the Waste and Resources team on 0161 778 7110.

As a charitable organisation, you must comply with Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to ensure waste is handled safely and legally. DOCs are required when transferring non-hazardous waste to a disposal site. This legal document ensures your waste is managed properly.

Anyone producing, handling, or disposing of controlled waste has a Duty of Care to ensure correct handling and proper management until final disposal.

Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) includes household items like sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, stools, office chairs, futons, bean bags, and cushions. These items often contain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as DecaBDE, HBCDD, PentaBDE, and TetraBDE in covers and foam. Hazardous chemicals like antimony trioxide and medium chain chlorinated paraffins, along with other flame retardants and PVC components, are also present. These substances do not degrade in the environment and pose risks to human health and nature.

Charities must also ensure that they follow the GOV.UK guidance for managing waste upholstered domestic seating containing POPs.

A valid waste carrier’s licence is a legal requirement for any individual, charity or business that collects, transports, or disposes of waste as part of their operations. Issued by the Environment Agency, this licence ensures that waste is handled responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations. This licence helps prevent the illegal dumping of waste and ensures that waste is managed in an environmentally friendly manner.

Your charity may already have been sent a waste carrier’s licence if you have applied for one before. If you need a copy of it, you can phone The Environment Agency on 0370 8506506 or email them at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk and ask them to send you a copy of it.

You can check if you already have a valid licence by searching the Environment Agency public register online: Public Registers Online. If your charity is part of a bigger charity you can use the same waste carrier’s licence number.

If your charity does not have a waste carrier’s licence, visit the Government’s website to register as a waste carrier. You need the waste carrier licence number that has been allocated by the register to include in your charity permit application.

Unless your charity also disposes of business waste, you will need to apply for a lower tier waste carrier licence which is free and does not need renewing (see website for details). If your charity also disposes of business waste, you will need to apply for an upper tier waste carrier licence which is chargeable and needs to be renewed every 3 years.

You need to keep a copy of this in the vehicle that is used to take waste to the site as you may be asked to produce a copy of it at the weighbridge.

If your allocated waste site accepts small electrical items (not all sites do), i.e. toasters, kettles, that are unsuitable for reuse and you intend to discard them, then they are classed as hazardous waste. You will be classed as the waste producer so must follow the Government’s hazardous waste regulations which includes completing a Hazardous Waste Consignment note (PDF) for each visit to site to dispose of small electrical items and refer to the instructions on how to complete the hazardous waste consignment note.

The charity is required to provide their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when visiting the waste site to tip off waste and recycling. Drivers must wear the following PPE which is a mandatory requirement:

• High visibility vest or jacket
• Safety footwear (steel toe cap and midsole)
• Safety glasses
• Protective gloves
• Hard hat / Safety helmet

All drivers and visitors entering waste sites must read and sign site induction forms and follow specific safety instructions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of everyone on site. Safety is crucial at waste sites due to the presence of heavy machinery movements, restricted zones and hazardous waste types. Adhering to safety procedures reduces the risk of accidents. Non-compliance with site rules will result in a review of your permit.

Charities who wish to apply for a tipping permit in Greater Manchester must adhere to the following criteria:

• The charity holds a valid charity number (registered with the Charity Commission England and Wales or with HMRC)
• Places of worship or community groups are not included in this scheme and they should contact their council for help and advice
• The charity premises is located in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside or Trafford
• The charity must hold a valid Waste Carrier’s Licence
• The charity agrees to use the permit exclusively for the disposal of donated household goods that are not suitable for reuse or resale from an individual charity premises
• The charity agrees to correctly separate recycling, to minimise the amount that goes to landfill or energy recovery

No - all charity premises must be located in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside or Trafford.

No - Wigan operates as a unitary authority and administers its own disposal arrangements so is not part of the Greater Manchester waste contracts.

Places of worship or community groups should contact their council for assistance. In the UK, councils must manage charity waste which is defined donated household goods that are not suitable for reuse or resale.

Applications for a Charity Tipping Permit can be made using the application form.

This process can take up to 10 days but is typically faster.

The layout of each waste disposal site varies, and certain facilities may not be equipped to accept all types of recyclable materials. The application screen will only allow you to tick the waste types that are accepted at the waste site which is available for you to use in your council area.

If you need to reset any login details, please email the waste team at GMWaste@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk to request assistance.

GMCA reserves the right to suspend permits due to misuse and non-compliance of Waste Facility site rules and/or the Terms and Conditions.

To cancel a permit, please notify GMCA by emailing the waste team at GMWaste@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.