Proof of residency

Why we ask you to prove where you live when using our Recycling Centres.

Residents are required to show ID when they visit a West Sussex Recycling Centre for proof of residency. Access to centres will be denied if you do not have proof of address or are not a West Sussex council taxpayer.

Strong evidence shows that people living outside West Sussex are using our Recycling Centres. This has resulted in the county council paying substantial waste disposal charges and increased congestion from the extra traffic coming to our centres.

Acceptable forms of ID

Residents need to show one form of identification from the list below: 

  • current driving licence (photo card or paper licence will be accepted) - preferred option
  • Council Tax bill - from the current financial year
  • utility bill (gas, electric or water) - less than a year old
  • TV licence less than a year old
  • letter from HMRC or the Home Office - less than a year old
  • current bus pass
  • current disabled parking permit

Any other form of identification will not be accepted at the centre.

How the checks will work

Recycling Centre staff will:

  • only ask to see your proof of address - they will not record or keep this information
  • ask to see your ID at the entrance area - the address must be clearly visible and also the photo if photographic ID is being shown
  • check your address and postcode to establish that you are a West Sussex resident 

Failure to bring appropriate identification will result in you being unable to use the centre.

All centres have CCTV and if you are refused entry and leave waste outside the centre you will be liable to prosecution.

If you have a holiday home or caravan, you will be able to use the Recycling Centre if you can provide evidence that you pay Council Tax to West Sussex County Council.

Special arrangement for East Grinstead Recycling Centre

Surrey County Council make a contribution to the running costs of the East Grinstead centre and therefore, in addition to West Sussex residents, Surrey residents in the following postcodes are allowed access:

  • RH7 6
  • RH10 3
  • RH19 2
  • RH19 3
  • TN8 7
  • TN8 5
  • TN8 6

In order to gain access, residents from these postcode areas will need to show one form of identification from the list.