Vans and large trailers take up a lot of space at recycling centres and often take a long time to unload. This can lead to long queues and waiting times to access sites.
The introduction of a booking system for these types of vehicles will enable us to better manage service demand and reduce queuing at peak times.
If you want to visit an Essex recycling centre in a van (including pick-up trucks and any vehicle towing a trailer with more than one axle), you will need to book a slot in advance. Any vehicle that is over 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes), agricultural vehicles, horse boxes/trailers and tipping flatbeds are not accepted at any of the recycling centres in Essex.
What Essex County Council defines as a van, pick-up or large trailer.
Please remember, recycling centres only accept household waste and limits apply on DIY and construction waste.
Book your slot to visit a recycling centre
There is no charge to book, but you need to make a booking each time you visit.
You can watch a quick tutorial of how to make a booking here.
When making the booking, you will be able to select the recycling centre you wish to visit. Once you have chosen your recycling centre, a calendar will appear displaying the time slots. Fully booked slots will be greyed out, and available slots will be green.
You can also view the capacity of each slot in the bottom right-hand corner of the time slot so you can see how busy each slot is.
Once your booking is complete you will receive a confirmation email. Please bring the booking confirmation and proof of address. Only residents of the Essex County Council area* will be allowed access. If you are unsure of your local council area you can check here.
* Residents from nearby areas in Suffolk or Hertfordshire can also visit the sites. This is thanks to reciprocal partnerships with Suffolk County Council and Hertfordshire County Council allowing cross-border use.
To cancel a booking, please follow the link in your booking confirmation.
Please note:
If you do not have access to the internet, you can also phone the Essex County Council contact centre on 0345 743 0430 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm who will make the booking on your behalf.
Any vans that park up outside and attempt to walk waste in will be reported and refused entry.
If you are a Blue Badge holder or visiting as a pedestrian or cyclist, you do not need to book a slot.
Normal site rules apply. Small recycling centres do not accept vans.
The booking system for vans is only applicable to the nine sites in Essex that accept vans (including pick-ups and large trailers). These are:
What does Essex County Council define as a van, pick-up or large trailer?
Recycling centre booking system terms and conditions