Vans and large trailers take up a lot of space at recycling centres and often take a long time to 0️⃣ unload. This can lead to long queues and waiting times to access sites.
The introduction of a booking system for these 0️⃣ types of vehicles will enable us to better manage service demand and reduce queuing at peak times.
Book your slot to 0️⃣ visit a recycling centre in a van
If you want to visit an Essex recycling centre in a van (including pick-up 0️⃣ trucks and any vehicle towing a trailer with more than one axle), you will need to book a slot in 0️⃣ advance. Any vehicle that is 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) or over, agricultural vehicles, horse boxes/trailers and tipping flatbeds are not accepted 0️⃣ at any of the recycling centres in Essex.
What Essex County Council defines as a van, pick-up or large trailer.
Please remember, 0️⃣ recycling centres only accept household waste and limits apply on DIY and construction waste.
Book your slot to visit a recycling 0️⃣ centre
There is no charge to book, but you need to make a booking each time you visit.
You can watch a 0️⃣ quick tutorial of how to make a booking here.
When making the booking, you will be able to select the recycling 0️⃣ centre you wish to visit. Once you have chosen your recycling centre, a calendar will appear displaying the time slots. 0️⃣ Fully booked slots will be greyed out, and available slots will be green.
You can also view the capacity of each 0️⃣ slot in the bottom right-hand corner of the time slot so you can see how busy each slot is.
Once your 0️⃣ booking is complete you will receive a confirmation email. Please bring the booking confirmation and proof of address. Only residents 0️⃣ of the Essex County Council area* will be allowed access. If you are unsure of your local council area you 0️⃣ can check here.
* Residents from nearby areas in Suffolk or Hertfordshire can also visit the sites. This is thanks to 0️⃣ reciprocal partnerships with Suffolk County Council and Hertfordshire County Council allowing cross-border use. Essex residents wishing to visit a Hertfordshire 0️⃣ recycling centre will need to apply for a free annual permit.
Please note:
Booking slots will be made available for up to 0️⃣ three weeks in advance.
Bookings will close in advance to allow for a detailed list to be provided to the sites 0️⃣ and administrative teams.
To ensure fair usage, we ask residents to limit visits to one booking per week.
Bookings will be for 0️⃣ an hour long time slot. You can arrive at your designated recycling centre at any point within this time slot. 0️⃣ However please be aware you have 20 minutes to unload your vehicle once on site. If you are planning to 0️⃣ visit towards the end of your time slot, please note you must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the 0️⃣ end of your slot.
Users should ensure their vehicle is safely parked with the engine off before displaying their booking confirmation 0️⃣ on their mobile device.
Vans, pick-ups and twin-axle trailers are not permitted to access the sites before 9:30am and after 4:30pm 0️⃣ between 1 March and 15 October, and before 9:30am and after 3:30pm between 16 October and end of February.
A booking 0️⃣ slot does not allow priority access. If you arrive and there is a queue, please do not try and skip 0️⃣ the queue as you will be refused access.
If you miss your slot, you may need to book another slot to 0️⃣ visit at another time.
If you do not have access to the internet, bookings can be made free of charge on 0️⃣ a public computer at a local library, where booking confirmations can also be printed.
If you do not have access to 0️⃣ the internet, you can also phone the Essex County Council contact centre on 0345 743 0430 Monday to Friday, 8:30am 0️⃣ to 5:00pm who will make the booking on your behalf.
Any vans that park up outside and attempt to walk waste 0️⃣ in will be reported and refused entry.
If you are a Blue Badge holder or visiting as a pedestrian or cyclist, 0️⃣ you do not need to book a slot.
Normal site rules apply. Small recycling centres do not accept vans.
How to cancel 0️⃣ a booking
If you would like to cancel your booking, the booking confirmation email contains a link called 'return to my 0️⃣ booking'. If you click this link, you will be able to follow the instructions to cancel your booking.
Recycling centres that 0️⃣ accept vans
The booking system for vans is only applicable to the nine sites in Essex that accept vans (including pick-ups 0️⃣ and large trailers). These are:
Further information
What does Essex County Council define as a van, pick-up or large trailer?
Recycling centre booking 0️⃣ system terms and conditions
Find your nearest recycling centre
Find out how and where to dispose of your unwanted items
