There are two types of Essex County Council recycling centre, large recycling centres and small recycling centres. Business, trade and commercial waste is not accepted at any ECC recycling centre. Find out more about disposing of business and trade waste.
Large and small recycling centres have different vehicle and site restrictions, please read the following information before visiting any recycling centre.
The following recycling centres are classed as large recycling centres:
From Monday 28 February 2022 you will need to book a slot in advance to visit a recycling centre in a van, pick-up or a vehicle towing a trailer with more than one axle. You can book your slot up to 2 weeks in advance. The link to the booking system will be made available on 14 February 2022. More information on the recycling centre booking system for vans.Vans (under 3,500kg) will be accepted at large recycling centres if they are carrying your own household waste. Site staff may stop you at the gate to ensure the waste you are carrying has come from your household.
Large recycling centres 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:
In any 6-month period you may not exceed each of the following:
The following recycling centres are classed as small recycling centres:
Small recycling centres do not accept any vans (including car derived vans, pick-ups, trucks) or any towed trailer with more than one axle. Vehicles that are not permitted, cannot park outside the site and carry waste into any recycling centre.
DIY and construction waste are not permitted at any small recycling centre. This includes soil, hardcore, plasterboard, tiles, any element of a built-in bathroom or kitchen. This restriction does not currently apply to Rayleigh Recycling Centre which is able to accept small quantities of DIY and construction waste. Please see Rayleigh Recycling Centre page for more information.
Find your nearest recycling centre
Recycling centre policy and site restrictions