Service Changes
Changes to waste services and new recycling centre opening timetable
Changes to Bristol's waste services
In 2023, councillors sitting on Bristol City Council’s Full Council agreed a series of changes to waste services in Bristol to help address the impact of the national economic climate, with the additional income and savings used to protect frontline services for residents of Bristol.
Read on to find information for:
- DIY waste disposal charges
- garden waste subscription increase
- bin charges and recycling box delivery fees
- recycling centre opening changes
- changes to bulky waste charges
More information about waste and recycling in Bristol can be found on our page for households.
DIY waste disposal charges
Bristol residents can dispose of some household DIY waste for free at one of our recycling centres.
You can bring up to four loads per 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 normal rates. You can pay at the time of booking on the Bristol City Council website.
Garden waste subscription fees increased in 2023
Annual garden waste subscriptions increased to £50 per year, or £47 if paid by direct debit and £24 for those receiving benefits. This is in line with other local authorities in the area.
Garden waste sacks now cost £2.50 and can be ordered online.
Bin charges and recycling box deliveries
A small charge for the processing and delivery of recycling containers came into effect in 2023.
The charge is £2.50 per container. Residents can exchange broken recycling containers for free from any of the three recycling centres. You will need to make a booking and head for the DIY bays on site where staff will be on hand to assist. You must bring your old recycling containers to exchange.
New and replacement refuse wheelie bins are charged at £28 per bin, or £14 for those receiving benefits. The charge for garden waste bins is £21 for new subscriptions, £28 for replacement bins or £10 for those receiving benefits.
Recycling centre opening times
Recycling centre opening times changed in 2023, with each site open five days a week. The opening hours have been designed to have minimal impact on the city, with the schedule set to match the highest demand.
Open times are:
Avonmouth: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun
Hartcliffe Way: Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
St Philips: Mon, Tues, Weds, Sat, Sun
9am – 5pm on weekdays, 8am – 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Changes to bulky waste charges
The price to collect soft furnished bulky waste items changed in 2023.
The cost for soft furnishings, such as sofas, computer chairs, futons or armchairs is:
- £25 for 1 item
- £40 for 2 items
- £50 for 3 items
Items which are not soft furnishings, such as fridges, bed frames and mattresses, remain at:
- £25 for up to 3 items
- £50 for 4 to 6 items
Street cleansing
In order to reduce costs, we will also remodel the street cleansing services.
The changes will see a reduction in cleansing frequency and resources in some areas of the city. This will be the first area for reinvestment when finances allow.
We are also reviewing all areas of the business for cost savings and efficiencies, as well as enhancing profit generating areas.