Braintree Recycling Centre
Did you know?
Electrical items containing chargeable built-in batteries can catch fire if crushed or damaged.
Did you know?
In 2023 there were over 1,200 battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK.
Did you know?
Across the UK, over 129 million unwanted cables are hiding in our “drawers of doom” - enough to wrap around Earth three times!
Did you know?
If just 1 million of us recycled a single cable, we’d save 5,000 kg of copper from being thrown away. That’s vital for powering phones, transport, clean energy, and medical equipment.
Did you know?
The average UK home has 15 unused cables. Each one contains valuable copper needed for phones, transport, clean energy, and medical equipment.
Did you know?
The Great Cable Challenge is a call to tackle the millions of cables and electricals sitting idle in UK homes, to save the copper inside them from going to waste.
Did you know?
In Essex, we recycle over 2,700 tonnes of electrical items each year, saving precious metals from going to waste.
Did you know?
You can watch what happens to the electrical waste collected in Essex and find out how it’s recycled with our YouTube video!
Who can use this recycling centre
You must be a resident in the statutory area of Essex County Council to use this site. Staff may ask for proof of residency from visitors (such as a council tax bill or driving licence). If you are unsure of your local council area you can use GOV.UK's postcode checker.
Residents from nearby areas in Suffolk may also use this site, thanks to a reciprocal partnership with Suffolk County Council allowing cross-boundary use.
All users of this site will need to accept our policy and site restrictions and follow our community guidelines.
What you can bring to this recycling centre
Please remember, our recycling centres only accept household waste. For more information on what you can dispose of, visit what our recycling centres can and cannot accept.
Due to operational constraints, there may be occasions when not all items can be accepted.
This recycling centre accepts some limited amounts of DIY waste, providing it comes from your own household. Find out what DIY items you can bring.
This recycling centre has a donation point for large electrical appliances.
Book a slot
You will need to book a slot to visit this recycling centre, unless you are a Blue Badge holder, pedestrian or cyclist. There is no charge to book, but you need to make a booking each time you visit.
Book a slot for a van, pick-up or large trailer
Not sure? Find out what ECC defines as a van, pick-up or large trailer.
If you cannot book online, could you ask a friend or family member to help? If not, call Essex County Council on 0345 743 0430, from 8.30am to 5pm.
Next steps
We will then send you a confirmation email. You may be asked to show your booking confirmation and proof of address at the site.
Reschedule or cancel your booking
If you need to reschedule or cancel your booking, go to your confirmation email and click on the relevant link.
Making the most of your recycling centre
Watch this video to make the most of your visit:
How to dispose of your unwanted items and waste
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