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On-site rules when visiting a household waste recycling centre

We want everyone to recycle safely and easily. Our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) are for residents to get rid of domestic waste only.

By following these simple rules, you’re helping us recycle more, reduce waste, and protect our environment for future generations.

Before you book

Vehicle restrictions and vehicle vouchers

Some vehicles are restricted and need a vehicle voucher, including:

  • vans
  • domestic vehicles over 2 metres tall.

Check to see what restrictions are in place and if you need a vehicle voucher.

Before you arrive

On the day of your slot, we ask you to:

  • wear sturdy footwear
  • wear gloves if you're bringing in items that are heavy or sharp
  • bring along your booking reference number (on your phone, a handwritten note or printed)
  • separate your items and check what you can and can't recycle
  • load your vehicle so you can unload it quickly and safely
  • bring your vehicle voucher (if you need it)
  • bring someone with you if you need help to lift items.

HWRC access and parking

You must book a slot to visit one of our HWRCs. By following these rules, you are helping us keep our centres safe, efficient, and accessible for everyone.

Parking outside and carrying in your waste is not allowed.

Stopping outside can cause an obstruction on the road, and bypasses our automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). This system is in place to prevent the illegal disposal of business or trade waste.

Any fly-tipped items left outside centre entrances or on access roads is a crime. Report fly-tipping online.

When you arrive

Please arrive within your booking time slot. If you've booked the last slot of the day, make sure you give yourself time to unload your car before the HWRC closes. We close our HWRCs at either 4:30pm Monday to Saturday, or 4pm on Sunday and bank holidays.

Our team will direct you to the right area and tell you which containers to use.

For safety reasons, all children and animals must stay inside the vehicle at all times.

Respect our staff and each other

We want everyone to have a safe and positive experience at our recycling centres.

  • Please treat staff and other visitors with respect at all times.
  • Abusive or threatening behaviour won’t be tolerated.
  • Anyone not following site rules may be asked to leave and may be banned.
  • We may ask for proof of residency.
  • Security measures, including body-worn cameras, are in place for everyone’s safety.
  • Please respect anyone who wishes to keep a safe distance.

Support with your items

Your waste items should be a size and weight that is manageable so that you can easily lift it into the containers.

We’ll help where we can, but staff can’t lift or move heavy builders’ bags or HIPPOBAGS. These bags aren’t designed to be moved by hand. Our team will do their best to carefully remove items from your vehicle. However, once you have given consent, any damage that may occur is at your own risk, and we cannot be held liable.

If you have a protected characteristic (for example: age, disability or pregnancy), we can provide assistance - choose ‘assistance request’ when you book.

Items left by others

You cannot take other items or materials left by others. Why not come along to one of our reuse shops to buy pre-loved items at affordable prices? Learn more about our reuse shops.

Surveillance equipment

CCTV, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and body worn cameras are in operation at all centres. See our surveillance equipment privacy notice for more information.

Delays and waiting

We know waiting can be frustrating, especially when you have booked a specific time slot with us. Sometimes, our staff may ask you to wait before entering the centre.

During this time we are carrying out operations, where unfortunately no cars can be on site. Your booking is still valid during this time, so please be patient with us.

The centre may have to close temporarily or for longer periods with no warning if required.

Thank you for your patience while we keep everyone safe.

Charges

Make your DIY project green from start to finish. You can bring some DIY waste to our recycling centres for free, but limits apply to how much and how often. Anything over the limit will incur a fee, payable by card.

Learn more about our charges and limits.

Non-Kent residents need to pay £10 per visit to use one of our 19 HWRCs. This includes residents who live in Medway. Find out more about charges for non-Kent residents.

Business waste

Our HWRCs are for residents to recycle their household waste. They’re not suitable for business or trade waste. Bringing these materials to one of our centres is against the law.

If you’re a business, use a waste transfer station or pay a licenced company to collect your waste instead. By using the right facilities, you’re helping us reduce waste responsibly and keep our centres safe for everyone.

Visiting by bike or foot

Most of our centres are designed for vehicles, not for pedestrians or cyclists.

You may visit on foot or by bike without a booking at Deal HWRC. However, for permit and security reasons, the inner gate must remain locked. To avoid delays, such as staff being unavailable to immediately assist, we recommend calling in advance 03000 41 73 73.

We limit and carefully manage visits on foot or by bike at our other HWRCs for health and safety reasons, mainly the risk from moving vehicles.

If you need to visit one of our other HWRCs on foot or by bike, please contact us in advance. We can then arrange staff to help you and be ready to pause vehicle movement at the HWRC.

Visits are available at quieter times only. These are usually Wednesday or Thursday afternoons. Please contact us in advance using the details below.

Online form
Complete our online form
Phone
03000 41 73 73

There are lots of ways to recycle or pass on your items without visiting a centre. Here are some ideas:

Thank you for helping us keep Kent’s recycling centres safe, fair, and sustainable for everyone. If you need help, just ask a member of our team at our HWRC, we're always here for you.