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Household waste recycling centres - charges for non-Kent residents

12 July 2023: We are aware of the statement about DIY waste charges from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and await more information from government on the further detail, and how new legislation will change to support this policy.

For now, there is no immediate change to policy and specific item charges will still apply.

Cross border charging policy

From 1 April 2023, non-Kent residents who use any of our 19 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), will be required to pay £10 to visit.

By non-Kent residents we mean any resident that does not pay Council Tax to one of the following Kent councils:

  • Ashford Borough Council
  • Canterbury City Council
  • Dartford Borough Council
  • Dover District Council
  • Folkestone and Hythe Borough Council
  • Gravesham Borough Council
  • Maidstone Borough Council
  • Sevenoaks District Council
  • Swale Borough Council
  • Thanet District Council
  • Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
  • Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

This also means Medway residents will be required to pay the £10 fee.

When you use our booking system, non-Kent residents are advised at the time of booking of the requirement to pay £10 per visit on arrival at the HWRC site. This information will also be included on the confirmation emails. Our staff will request payment when you arrive and we reserve the right to request proof of residency.

Payment is by card only.

Read further information about the decision about the cross border charging policy.

Changes to the Dartford permit scheme

A cross border permit scheme has been in place at Dartford HWRC for over 25 years, commonly known as the Dartford permit scheme. This permit scheme ended on 1 April 2023 and is now managed through the booking system.

This means Dartford residents (those who pay Council Tax to Dartford Borough Council) are no longer required to display or present a permit at the HWRC or show ID to prove residency.

Medway Council cross border policy

Medway Council no longer permit Kent residents (who do not pay their Council Tax to Medway Council) to use any of the 3 Medway Council operated HWRCs (Capstone HWRC, Cuxton HWRC and Hoath Way HWRC).