You can find out the best way to dispose of your unwanted items locally by using our search tool.
You will need to book a slot to visit this recycling centre. For further information read our bookings page.
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 check here.
Address
Chelmsford Recycling Centre
Drovers Way
North Springfield
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 5PH
How to find us
View entrance location on what3words
Information on disabled access to the recycling centre can be found on AccessAble, formerly Disabled Go.
Opening hours
16 October to end of February
9am to 4pm every day.
1 March to 15 October
9am to 5pm every day.
Closed
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve closed from 1pm.
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Bookings
You need to to book in advance to visit in a car, van, pick-up or vehicle towing a large trailer.*
Book your slot to visit in a car
Book your slot to visit in a van, pick-up or large trailer
*Blue Badge holders are not required to make a booking.
What does Essex County Council define as a van, pick-up or large trailer?
Recycling centre bookings terms and conditions.
How to cancel a booking
To cancel a booking, please follow the link in your booking confirmation.
What you cannot bring to recycling centres
The following items cannot be taken to any ECC recycling centre. You must arrange a separate collection or disposal of these items.
- Asbestos
- Business waste
- Chemical waste
- Clinical waste
- Dead animals
- Fireworks, ammunition and explosives
- Fuel
- Gas cylinders
- Japanese knotweed
- Ragwort
Find out how to correctly dispose of household hazardous waste in Essex.
Vehicle and site restrictions
Light commercial vehicles (under 3,500kg / 3.5 tonnes) will be accepted with a valid booking if they are carrying your own household waste. You are required to make a booking in advance if visiting a site in a van, pick-up or vehicle towing a large trailer. Site staff may stop you at the gate to ensure the waste you are carrying has come from the household.
Chelmsford Recycling Centre accept small quantities of some DIY and construction waste, providing you have completed the work yourself and it is from your own household.
In any 28-day period you may not exceed each of the following:
- three wheelbarrow loads (one car boot) of soil, hardcore or gypsum-based products including plasterboard and dry wall lining
- one wheelbarrow load of tiles
In any 6-month period you may not exceed each of the following:
- three large ceramic items (e.g. toilet or wash basin)
- one uPVC or wooden window frame
- one uPVC or wooden door
- three wooden internal doors
- any element of a built-in kitchen