Important update
There is reduced booking capacity at Colchester Recycling Centre due to essential site maintenance.
Colchester Recycling Centre
Did you know?
Scrap metal can be recycled at this recycling centre. Separate out from your general waste and ask staff for help on site.
Did you know?
Clothes and shoes can be reused or recycled at this recycling centre. Save textiles from landfill and recycle on site.
Did you know?
You can recycle coffee pods at recycling centres through our partnership with Podback.
Did you know?
Scrap wood can be recycled at this recycling centre. Separate out from your general waste and ask staff for help on site.
Did you know?
Wooden furniture can be reused or recycled at this recycling centre. Save furniture from landfill and recycle on site.
Did you know?
We have developed some community guidelines which set out what to expect from your visit to our recycling centres.
Did you know?
You can donate large electrical appliances at some recycling centres for repair and reuse by the Lighthouse Furniture Project. These are then passed on or sold at affordable prices in the local community.
Did you know?
Asbestos can be found places you may not expect, including items such as old ironing boards, boilers and plant pots.
Did you know?
Electrical items containing chargeable built-in batteries can catch fire if crushed or damaged.
Did you know?
In 2023 there were over 1,200 battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK.
Who can use this recycling centre
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 use GOV.UK's postcode checker.
Residents from nearby areas in Suffolk may also use this site, thanks to a reciprocal partnership with Suffolk County Council allowing cross-border use.
All users of this site will need to accept our policy and site restrictions and follow our community guidelines.
What you can bring to this recycling centre
Please remember, our recycling centres only accept household waste. For more information on what you can dispose of, visit what our recycling centres can accept.
This recycling centre accepts some limited amounts of DIY waste, providing it comes from your own household. Find out what DIY items you can bring.
This recycling centre has a donation point for large electrical appliances.
Before you book
Did you know these items can be recycled at Colchester Recycling Centre?
- wooden furniture – if you can’t donate or sell your unwanted furniture, you can bring it to be recycled
- scrap wood
- scrap metal
Separate out your waste before you come to the site to make recycling possible.
Book a slot
You will need to book a slot to visit this recycling centre, unless you are a Blue Badge holder, pedestrian or cyclist. There is no charge to book, but you need to make a booking each time you visit.
Book a slot for a van, pick-up or large trailer
Not sure? Find out what ECC defines as a van, pick-up or large trailer.
If you cannot book online, could you ask a friend or family member to help? If not, call Essex County Council on 0345 743 0430, from 8.30am to 5pm.
Next steps
We will then send you a confirmation email. You may be asked to show your booking confirmation and proof of address at the site.
Reschedule or cancel your booking
If you need to reschedule or cancel your booking, go to your confirmation email and click on the relevant link.
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