Taking DIY waste to a recycling centre

DIY projects can be a great way to improve your home. However, disposing of the waste generated from this kind of work can be a project in itself. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking DIY waste to a recycling centre in Bristol.

What counts as DIY waste

First, it’s important to understand what materials count as DIY waste. DIY waste includes items such as rubble, soil, plasterboard and ceramics. Asbestos counts at DIY waste but it is also hazardous waste and should be disposed of differently. (Find out more about disposing of hazardous waste.) 

 Once you’ve sorted out your DIY waste, it’s time to take it to a recycling centre. 

Where to take your DIY waste

Bristol has three recycling centres located in Avonmouth, Hartcliffe Way, and St Philips. Before arriving on site, you will need to book a slot in advance using the online booking system. This system removes the need to queue and ensures that there will be sufficient capacity and plenty of space on site for everyone wishing to visit a recycling centre.

When you arrive at the recycling centre, make sure to follow the signs and the instructions of the staff on site. They will help you know where to unload your waste and what items can be recycled or reused. DIY waste can often be recycled into new materials, such as aggregates for use in construction projects. 

Asbestos must be double wrapped in heavy-duty polythene and completely sealed. You must not mix bagged asbestos with any other waste and staff will not be able to assist with loading asbestos into the skip.

How much it costs to take DIY waste to a recycling centre

From January 2024, Bristol residents are able to dispose of some household DIY waste for free at one of our recycling centres.

You can bring up to one load per week over a four week period of the following:

• up to 100 litres of loose waste, such as rubble or soil. This must be contained within two 50-litre rubble bags (or bags of equivalent size).

OR

• any bulky or fitted item, like a sink or pedestal, no larger than 2m x 0.75m x 0.7m.

Any waste exceeding these allowances will be charged at the following rates:

• £2.90 per sack of loose waste such as rubble or soil (full details)
• £4.50 per sheet or bag of clean plasterboard
• £9.50 for a bag of plasterboard with other materials attached
• £11 per bag/sheet of asbestos

You can pay at the time of booking on the Bristol City Council website. 

There is no charge for the following types of DIY waste:

• wood
• metal
• plastic windows, doors and door frames
• plastic pipes, guttering, facia, soffit, skirting, cladding and loose plastics
• plastic, fibreglass or composite toilets, sinks, baths and shower trays
• shower screens
• water tanks
• insulation materials
• roofing felt and roofing sheets
• tyres (excluding commercial and agricultural vehicle tyres)

Taking DIY waste to a recycling centre is a great way to dispose of it sustainably. By doing so, you can ensure that as much of your waste as possible is recycled into new materials or reused. 

Finally, it’s important to remember that the Household Reuse and Recycling Centres are just for household items. If you have waste from a business, you must take it to the commercial waste transfer station instead. Anyone suspected of abusing the residential waste service may be banned from the site.