After prevention and reuse, the next best thing you can do with items you no longer need is to recycle them.
Recycling turns old materials into new products, reducing our need to extract raw materials which is resource and emission intensive.

After waste prevention, the next best option is reuse and repair. This is when products and materials are used many times, through maintenance and repair, as well as opting to borrow, rent or buy second-hand.

Waste prevention is the highest priority (think reduce, reuse, recycle) so it should always be the first thing you consider.
By thinking about what you buy and what you use, you can reduce the amount of waste you create.

Terms and conditions for Love Essex competitions.

Find out which recycling centres accept DIY waste and what items you may bring.

Find out what ECC defines as a van, pick-up or large trailer and book a slot.

Find out more about the Essex Waste Partnership, who the partners are and their vision and aims

Find out what goes in your recycling and general rubbish bin at home, as well as information on bulky waste and special collections.

This service is run by your local council, and service offers may vary, according to where you live.

Visit your local council's website below.

Your visit to Essex County Council recycling centres: what to expect.

Essex County Council (ECC) recycling centres are licenced by the Environment Agency and are for household waste only. Before visiting a recycling centre, ensure you are familiar with our policy and site restrictions.