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Restrictions at Household Waste Recycling Centres

Restrictions at our recycling centres include the number of trips you can make along with arrangements for different types of DIY waste and plasterboard.

Number of trips

The maximum number of trips permitted to dispose of DIY waste is determined by the type of vehicle.

Small cars can make 8 free DIY waste trips per 2 months (60 days).

The following vehicles can make 4 free DIY waste trips per 2 months (60 days):

  • large cars
  • estate cars
  • MPVs
  • people carriers
  • 4x4s without pickup
  • ​​campervans or minibuses with rear seats and fittings (used for passenger transport)

The following vehicles can all make 6 free DIY waste trips per 12 months (365 days) by applying for an e-permit:

  • ​​cars towing trailers under 1.8m in length (as per e-permit allowance)
  • ​pick-ups and crew cabs under 3.5 tonnes gross laden weight​
  • ​vans under 3.5 tonnes gross laden weight​
  • ​campervans and minibuses with rear seats and fittings removed​
  • ​horseboxes under 3.5 tonnes gross laden weight
  • any medium vehicle towing trailers under 1.8m in length

DIY waste

DIY waste (or construction and demolition waste) is large amounts of waste that is generated through building or renovation work in your home or garden.

By law, waste types such as DIY waste are classed as 'non-household waste'. We do not have to accept these waste types free of charge.

Examples of DIY waste (not a comprehensive list) are:

  • hardcore, rubble and bricks
  • tiles and ceramics
  • paving slabs
  • plasterboard
  • roofing materials
  • soil, turf and tree trunks from landscaping activities
  • baths, toilets and basins
  • fitted carpets and underlay
  • doors, windows and frames
  • kitchen units and work surfaces
  • built-in wardrobes and cupboards
  • shed and fence panels
  • laminate flooring
  • timber and MDF hardboard
  • central heating system components

You may be asked to confirm you are disposing of DIY waste from your normal place of residence (the house that you live in) by the recycling centre staff. This could involve signing a declaration form.

If you need to make more site visits than permitted we will direct you to one of our sites that has a weighbridge. This will then be treated as trade waste which is chargeable.

Waste upholstered domestic seating 

Upholstered domestic seating can no longer be mixed with the general waste as it needs to be separately collected and treated. If you wish to discard/dispose of your upholstered domestic seating item as waste, it is advisable that the item is kept whole.

Examples of waste upholstered domestic seating (not a comprehensive list) includes:

  • sofas
  • armchairs
  • futons
  • sofa-beds
  • upholstered dining chairs and home office chairs
  • beanbags
  • floor cushions
  • upholstered stools and foot stools

Any damaged parts must be kept contained (any tears must be taped up, or the damaged item must be covered in plastic sheeting). This will help to minimise the risk of textiles or foam escaping into the environment while on its way to disposal.

Any upholstered domestic seating items that you would like to dispose of can still be passed on to the HWRC refuse agent, provided the item is not damaged (beyond minor repair) and has a fire safety label attached.

The domestic items covered under the legislation is only related to waste upholstered domestic seating. There is no requirement to dispose of other soft furnished items from your home differently.

Ask a member of staff on arrival at the site about where to place the item or if you require any assistance.

Last updated 05 June 2024