Recycling Centre bookings

Book your trip to one of Bristol's reuse and recycling centres. You must book at least one hour before your visit.

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Book to use Bristol's Recycling Centres

To visit the recycling centre you need to have booked in advance.

You can book up to two weeks in advance, or as little as one hour before you visit. Booking is quick, simple and removes the need to queue on site.

Visit www.bristol.gov.uk/bookrecycling to book quickly and easily. For those without access to the internet, you can call 0117 922 2100 Monday – Friday between 08:30 – 18:00 (closed 12:00 – 13:30 on Wednesdays).

Visiting the reuse and recycling centres

  • You do not need to book if you are visiting the recycling centres by bike
  • A permit is required for a van, pick-up or towing a trailer over 1.52 metres (5 feet) in length
  • Please arrive within 5 minutes of your booked slot and separate materials before coming to site
  • You must arrive in the vehicle you registered when booking.

Check the frequently asked questions below for more information.

Booking is open

Please book at least one hour in advance to visit the recycling centres

Using the reuse and recycling centres

You need to book in advance to visit our recycling centres. You can book up to two weeks in advance, or as little as one hour before you visit. Booking is quick, simple and removes the need to queue on site. Vans continue to require a permit.

There are charges for the disposal of DIY waste but, there is no limit to the amount of DIY and construction waste you can bring to the site. Rules around ‘fair usage’ and no commercial waste remain.

We ask residents to sort their waste before arriving at the site and ensure they are able to move it themselves or with someone from the same household.

FAQs for the Reuse and Recycling Centres booking System

You need to book to visit our Reuse and Recycling Centres. Please read the FAQs for further information.

Bookings must be completed online at the council website at www.bristol.gov.uk/bookrecycling. Booking online is quick and easy to complete.

Please note, if you are planning to travel by bicycle or on foot you do not need to book an appointment.

As of 1 January 2024, Bristol residents can 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 soil and rubble
  • £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.

There is no maximum number of DIY waste bags you can dispose of at the recycling centre, however rules around ‘fair usage’ and no commercial waste remain.

Anyone suspected of abusing the residential waste service may be banned from the site.

The disposal of DIY waste at the recycling centres will be payable online when booking your recycling centre visit.

Booking online is the quickest and easiest way to book a slot. People with access issues, or those who are not able to get online can call 0117 922 2100.

You will need to have your home address and the registration number of the vehicle you’re arriving in to hand when calling. Telephone line will be available Monday to Friday between 08:30 to 18:00 (closed 12:00 to 13:30 on Wednesdays).

You can book a slot up to two weeks before your visit, or up to one hour before coming to site. We ask that you only book slots that you plan on using.

You can book up to one hour before your visit.

No. Only people with a pre-booked slot will be able to access to the site. For more information on how to book, please see above.

You must bring photo ID and proof of residence when attending your booked slot.

  • photo ID, travel card, or student ID
  • council tax, utility bill

If you are using the recycling centre to recycle or deposit your waste, you still need to bring ID or proof of address.

There is no limit on how long you have on site. On average people spend 10 to 15 minutes at the Recycling Centres. Please be considerate of others waiting to come on and pre-sort your materials prior to coming on site. This will also make it easier for you when you arrive.

If you are unable find your address, please send the details of the missing address to Address not listed – bristol.gov.uk. Addresses can normally be added within 24 hours of notification

If you are just visiting the shop at Hartcliffe Way or Avonmouth you can access the shop without booking. If you are visiting the Days Road shop you will need to book a slot as the shop is accessed through the Reuse and Recycling Centre.

The donation areas for pre-loved goods are located in the Recycling Centres, so if you are planning to donate, you will need to make a booking.

Slots are available throughout the day and at various sites across the city. If your first choice is not available, try looking at a different time, day, or site. Please note, we only allow people to book two weeks in advance. We restrict the numbers that can book to prevent queues and ensure on site safety.

You will be able to visit the site using a hire vehicle. When booking you will need to select ‘I am using a hire vehicle’ option. This will allow you to proceed with your booking without entering registration plate details. When you arrive on site, you will be asked to present your hire documentation.

There is no limit to the number of times you can visit the site. If you repeatedly fail to show up for your appointments, your access to the site may be restricted. You will receive an automated message via the email you provided to remind you of your booking.

The booking system helps us plan numbers on site, ensure there are no queues and provide a swift and smooth experience for you on site, so please try to be on time. If you arrive late, you may not be able to access the site.

You can cancel your appointment by following the link in your confirmation booking. Please try to cancel with as much notice as possible. If you repeatedly miss your bookings, your access to the site may be restricted. This is to ensure there is good availability for all.

No. As you will have been asked to provide your address and vehicle registration at the time of booking, and on arrival at the site you will need to provide proof of address. For this reason, it is not possible to transfer your appointment to someone else. You will need to cancel your appointment and the other person will need to book with their details.

If you are planning to travel on bike, or on foot, you do not need to make a booking to access the Recycling Centres. We only accept pedestrians at Hartcliffe Way Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Please contact our customer support team general@bristolwastecompany.co.uk.