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. Any misuse of the HWRC in line with these restrictions will be investigated.
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.
Hard plastics
Hard plastics are accepted at our site, with the exception of Farthinghoe.
Recycling hard plastics is currently challenging, this due to the current UK market and the mixture of plastics, and other materials in each item, this makes it complex to separate and recycle.
To ensure the correct types of hard plastics are sent to our processer for successful recycling we have placed a container in front, or near to, the hard plastics container. Please place your items in there and site staff will sort through the items to make sure the correct type of plastic is sent for processing.
We accept discarded post-consumer plastics which are commonly described as ‘mixed rigid plastics’.
These include:
- crates, tubs, washing baskets, buckets and storage boxes
- plant pots
- garden furniture and water butts
- children's toys
- trays
- watering cans
- large plastic containers
- plastic hangers
- large outdoor toys
- wheelie bins and recycling boxes.
- pipe fittings
- pet carriers
We cannot accept:
- electronic toys
- domestic appliance
- window frames
- vacuum cleaners and cleaner heads
- plastic bags or film
- VHS, DVDs or CDs
- flexible flooring
- hose pipes
- polycarbonate bottles
- car bumpers
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 10 March 2026