Environmental permits for dry cleaning

Dry cleaning uses chemicals, such as perchloroethylene (perc), which contribute to air pollution and can be harmful to human health.

To operate a dry cleaning machine, you need to have an environmental permit from your local council.

This is a legal document that allows an operator of a dry cleaning machine to emit certain types of air pollution, but with strict controls in place. Operating without a permit is an offence that may result in a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years.

Apply for a dry cleaning environmental permit

Complete the application form for a dry cleaning permit (google doc). Send us the completed form with a cheque to the London Borough of Hackney for the appropriate fee.

We will inspect your premises and may request further information from you to make sure that you will be able to comply with the permit. If any work needs to be done before you start dry cleaning, they will need to be done before we issue the permit.

Fees and costs

There is a one-time application fee and an annual subsistence fee. See resources for local authorities, including details of the application fee and an annual subsistence fee, on Defra.

The annual fee you pay depends on the risk rating (for example low, medium or high risk) we assign to your dry cleaning operation. The risk rating is dependent on you fulfilling the requirements of your environmental permit, running a smooth operation and not causing a nuisance to your neighbours.

Complying with the permit

Your environmental permit will outline all the requirements for compliance. You must use less than one litre of perc for every 80 kg of clothes cleaned.

You need to keep accurate records of the weight (in kilograms) of each load cleaned and how much solvent (perc) you use. You need to record these values on weekly, monthly and annual inventory sheets, which you have to submit to us each year:

• weekly inventory sheet (PDF 115kb)
• monthly inventory sheet (PDF 95kb)
• annual inventory sheet (PDF 111kb)

Do I need to buy a new dry cleaning machine?

You will only need to upgrade your machine if it can’t comply with the conditions in your environmental permit. Generally, it will be harder to meet the requirements with an older machine.

There are now dry cleaning machines that do not require the use of solvents and so do not require an environmental permit.  If you are looking to replace an existing dry cleaning machine, you may want to consider changing to such a machine.

Do receiving shops without a dry cleaning machine need a permit?

No. Please let us know if you do not have a machine on your premises so we can keep our records up to date.

Close down a dry cleaning operation

If you are closing down your shop, you need to complete the part B surrender form (google doc). Send us the completed form with a cheque to the London Borough of Hackney for the appropriate fee.

Make changes to a dry cleaning operation

If you are getting a new dry cleaning machine, changing its position, changing any ventilation arrangements, or other activities covered by your permit, you need to let us know. Complete the part B permit variation form (google doc). Send us the completed form with a cheque to the London Borough of Hackney for the appropriate fee.

Transfer a permit to someone else

If you are selling your business, you need to complete the transfer form, below, and send it to us. There are sections in the form that both parties need to complete. There is no fee if it is a full transfer, but if you are only transferring part of the permit then there is a fee.

If the business has already been sold, we will try to be flexible so that a transfer may be completed. If the previous owner is no longer available to complete their part of the form, you will need to apply for a new permit.

Complete part B permit transfer form (google doc).

See our air quality action plan for more details on how we are improving air quality across the borough.