Colchester Recycling Centre
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.
Did you know?
Find out how your food waste is recycled into energy and fertiliser with our YouTube video.
Did you know?
You can donate large electrical appliances at some recycling centres for repair and reuse by the Lighthouse Furniture Project. These are then passed on or sold at affordable prices in the local community.
Did you know?
Some recycling centres offer a paint donation and reuse service through Community RePaint.
Did you know?
The Love Essex team works in partnership to trial new initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling across the county.
Did you know?
Worn out and damaged clothes, textiles and rags can be recycled at recycling centres.
Did you know?
Extending the life of clothes by just nine months can reduce waste by 22%.
Did you know?
Only 57% of waste electricals are estimated to be collected for reuse and recycling, with 880 million electrical items hoarded unused at home.
Did you know?
There are estimated to be over 1,200 battery fires in waste trucks and sites in the UK every year.
Did you know?
In 2025, enough food was recycled in Essex to power over 13 million fridges for 24 hours!
Did you know?
Food recycling is collected EVERY week. Find out how to get a new or replacement caddy if yours is lost or broken.
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.
DIY waste
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.
Large electrical appliances
This recycling centre has a donation point for large electrical appliances.
Community RePaint
This recycling centre has a donation and pick-up point for leftover paint to be reused through the Community RePaint scheme.
Before you book
Did you know these items can be recycled at Colchester Recycling Centre?
- wooden furniture – if you can’t donate or sell your unwanted furniture, you can bring it to be recycled
- scrap wood
- scrap metal
Separate out your waste before you come to the site to make recycling possible.
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.
How to dispose of your unwanted items and waste
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