You can find out the best way to dispose of your unwanted items locally by using our search tool.
You will need to book a slot to visit this recycling centre. For further information read our bookings page.
You must be a resident in the statutory area of Essex County Council to use this site. Staff may ask for proof of residency from visitors (such as a council tax bill or driving licence). If you are unsure of your local council area you can check here.
Address
Rayleigh Recycling Centre
Castle Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 7QF
How to find us
View entrance location on what3words
Information on disabled access to the recycling centre can be found on AccessAble, formerly Disabled Go.
Opening hours
16 October to end of February
9am to 4pm every day.
1 March to 15 October
9am to 5pm every day.
Closed
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve closed from 1pm.
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Bookings
You will need to book in advance to visit this recycling centre.*
Book your slot to visit Rayleigh Recycling Centre
*Blue Badge holders are not required to make a booking.
Recycling centre bookings terms and conditions.
How to cancel a booking
To cancel a booking, please follow the link in your booking confirmation.
Vehicle and site restrictions
Vans, pick-ups, other commercial-type vehicles and any towed trailer with more than one axle – including those privately owned - are not allowed to use this site. Please check what Essex County Council defines as a van, pick-up or large trailer.
Customers attempting to park prohibited vehicles outside the site and carry waste in will be turned away.
Rayleigh Recycling Centre accept small quantities of some DIY and construction waste, providing you have completed the work yourself and it is from your own household.
In any single visit you may not exceed each of the following:
- three wheelbarrow loads (one car boot) of soil, hardcore or gypsum-based products including plasterboard and dry wall lining
- one wheelbarrow load of tiles
- three large ceramic items (such as a toilet or wash basin)
- one uPVC or wooden window frame
- one uPVC or wooden door
- three wooden internal doors
- any element of a built-in kitchen
Your nearest recycling centre that accepts vans and limited DIY waste is Pitsea.
What you cannot bring to recycling centres
The following items cannot be taken to any ECC recycling centre. You must arrange a separate collection or disposal of these items.
- Asbestos
- Business waste
- Chemical waste
- Clinical waste
- Dead animals
- Fireworks, ammunition and explosives
- Fuel
- Gas cylinders
- Japanese knotweed
- Ragwort
Find out how to correctly dispose of household hazardous waste in Essex.