Household Recycling Centres (HRCs)

On the following pages you can see information on Household Recycling Centre Locations and opening times, find out What you can bring to a Household Recycling Centre and find guidance on Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permits and more.

You should only use the HRCs that are within the Wiltshire Council local authority area. If you pay your council tax to Swindon Borough Council, see Swindon Borough Council: Bins, rubbish and recycling (opens new window)

These sites are only for residents of Wiltshire to dispose of their own household waste for free. They are not intended for: 

• business waste
• trade waste
• commercial waste

If you wish to dispose of this type of waste, see the Hazardous and commercial waste page for more information.

Recycling centres will be closed from 1pm on 24 December and all-day Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. All other days will operate under normal opening hours on their specified opening days.

Before visiting your local Household Recycling Centre (HRC) see the What you can bring to a Household Recycling Centre page to check that your items are able to be disposed of.

You should only use the HRCs that are within the Wiltshire Council local authority area. If you pay your council tax to Swindon Borough Council visit Swindon Borough Council: Bins, rubbish and recycling (opens new window).

You should sort your items by material such as wood, metals, batteries, green waste and electricals to reduce your time on site.

Accessing your local Household Recycling Centre

You must attend a site in a vehicle. Pedestrians are not permitted to enter the site.

All sites have containers with steps. If you need support to dispose of your goods, let a staff member know and they will provide assistance.

Attending a site with a van

If you plan to visit a site with a van, pickup, or large trailer to dispose of your own household waste, you will need a permit. See the Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permits page for details, and to apply.

Having a van or trailer does not mean you are able to bring trade waste. See the Hazardous and commercial waste page for information on what to do with commercial waste.

Proof of address

You should only use the HRCs that are within the Wiltshire Council local authority area. If you pay your council tax to Swindon Borough council visit Swindon Borough Council: Bins, rubbish and recycling (opens new window).

You may be asked to provide a proof of address in order to use a HRC.

Acceptable forms of proof of address include:

• your driving licence
• a council tax bill
• a utility bill (printed or electronic)
• a HRC permit - see the Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permits page (if you are visiting the site in, or with, a van or large trailer)

Your details will not be recorded or stored. Failure to provide ID may mean you are unable to dispose of your waste.

If you collect waste as part of a business or a fee is charged, this becomes commercial waste and you must use commercial waste disposal sites, not Household Recycling Centres. These are for the sole use of householders disposing of their own waste. If you use a HRC in this way you are breaking the law. See the Hazardous and commercial waste page for more details.

Sort it before you bring it

Our data shows more than a third of the items put in the general waste container at our Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) could have been recycled.

As part of our 'Recycling: Let's Sort It' campaign we encourage you to sort your waste before you visit your local HRC, ensuring that all items are separated correctly.

There are designated sorting areas at each of our sites that gives you the opportunity to sort your materials as easily as possible, with our site staff on hand to help you.

You should only use the HRCs that are within the Wiltshire Council local authority area.

If you pay your council tax to Swindon Borough Council visit Swindon Borough Council: Bins, rubbish and recycling (opens new window) for more information.

Purchasing compost at your local Household Recycling Centre

Garden waste collected through kerbside collections is composted under a contract with Hills Waste Solutions. The decomposition process takes 12 weeks, producing high quality compost and top soil which is certified to BSI PAS 100 standards. It is suitable for farming, landscaping and gardening.

Compost can be purchased in small bags from Wiltshire's HRCs or in larger volumes directly from Hills Waste Solutions Ltd: About our compost (opens new window). You can find your closest HRC on our Locations and opening times page.

Items you can donate at our local Household Recycling Centre include:

• furniture
• bric-a-brac
• bicycles 
• books
• water-based useable paint (tins must be at least half full)

There are local reuse charities who may collect unwanted good quality furniture for free, or a small donation. Visit our Large item reuse and collection page for reuse options in Wiltshire.

Paint reuse scheme

If you have any leftover water-based paint that is in usable condition and the tin is over half full, you should bring it to a recycling centre so it can be redistributed to the public or community groups. For more information, see our Paint reuse scheme page.

If you plan to visit a site with a van, pickup or trailer to dispose of your own household waste you will need a permit. Having a van, pickup or trailer isn't an exemption for bringing trade waste. Household Recycling Centres are for residents' household waste only.  

If you collect waste as part of a business or a fee is charged, this becomes commercial waste and you must use commercial waste disposal sites, not Household Recycling Centres. These are for the sole use of householders disposing of their own waste. If you use a Household Recycling Centre to dispose of commercial waste you are breaking the law. See the Hazardous and commercial waste page for more information.

You do not need a permit if you are a Blue Badge holder. You will be asked to show your Blue Badge to site staff on the premises.

We introduced a new electronic system in May 2024. If you still have a paper-based permit, you will need to reapply for a new electronic permit.

How you can register

You can Apply for a permit (iLforms) (opens new window) online. It can take up to two working days to receive your permit after applying. 

To register you will need the following information:

• your contact details and full postal address
• registration number of your van or pickup
• size of your trailer

You will be asked to pay a fee of £20 to enable us to administer the permit.

Apply for a permit (iLforms) (opens new window)

Using your permit

Upon a successful application we will issue your QR-code permit via email. The permit will grant you up to 12 visits per year.

If you do not have access to email you can contact Customer Services on 0300 456 0102.

We can provide a copy of your permit via post upon request.

You must show your permit to HRC staff to record your visit.

For more information about HRC permits, see our Frequently asked questions page.

If you collect waste as part of a business or a fee is charged, this becomes commercial waste and you must use commercial waste disposal sites, not Household Recycling Centres. These are for the sole use of householders disposing of their own waste. If you use a Household Recycling Centre to dispose of commercial waste you are breaking the law. See the Hazardous and commercial waste page for information on what to do with commercial waste.

Householders who use vans, large trailers and commercial-type vehicles for visiting Wiltshire Council's household recycling centres will need to obtain a permit to use the facilities.

Please read the following terms and conditions before you apply for a permit:

1. Household Recycling Centres are provided for the deposit of household waste and recyclables only. The disposal of trade waste is not permitted. Trade waste is defined as waste arising from any trade, business, industrial or commercial activity. Anyone who has received  payment for carrying waste on behalf of others or produces waste through their work or commercial business activities cannot dispose of this waste at a household recycling centre.

2. A Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permit allows Wiltshire Council householders to access Wiltshire Council's recycling centres with a van, commercial-type vehicle, or with a car towing a large trailer (between 1.8 metres and 3.0 metres in length). 

3. The following vehicles are not permitted at any recycling centres: trailers over 3.0 metres in length, horse box trailers, vans or commercial type vehicles, which require a permit, whilst also towing any size of trailer, any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes.

4. Access to recycling centres will be refused for vans, commercial-type vehicles and large trailers without a valid permit (See point 19, 20 and 21 below for use of hired and borrowed vehicles).

5. Vehicle permits will only be issued to residents who live in the local authority area of Wiltshire and pay council tax to Wiltshire Council. This excludes residents and council tax payers of Swindon Borough Council. 

6. A household may only hold one permit at a time. The permit will be issued electronically, in the form of a QR code. 

7. The electronic permit will be valid for one vehicle or a large trailer, and allow up to 12 visits. 

8. There is no end-date on the permit however you will only be able to renew your permit 12 months after it has been issued. 

9. A permit will not be issued to residents who do not fully complete the application form.

10. A non-refundable administration fee of £20 will apply for each permit.

11. The council reserves the right to check the accuracy of any vehicle information provided with the DVLA.

12. A permit provides permission to enter the recycling centre only and is not a permit to deposit waste, which will be subject to Wiltshire Council's waste acceptance policies. Depending on the frequency of visits and/or type of waste being deposited, permit holders may be asked to complete a disclaimer form to confirm that the waste is from a household source and is not trade or commercial waste.

13. If you visit the recycling centre network more than once in one day, each visit will be counted separately. 

14. Permits are only valid for the vehicle or trailer documented on the permit. Only one permit will be issued per household.  The permit will show the applicants name but any member of your household or driver you designate may visit the site with this vehicle using the permit.

15. Permits are valid at all recycling centres operated by Wiltshire Council. Please note this excludes Swindon.

16. If you change your address or your vehicle, you must inform the council by using the online Waste: Customer feedback (iLform) (opens new window). If you sell/return your vehicle and still hold a permit, you must not pass on the permit to the new owner.

17. Permits remain the property of Wiltshire Council. The council reserves the right to cancel permits and amend the operation of the Household Recycling Centre Permit scheme at any time.

18. The council expects all residents using its sites to behave reasonably. Unacceptable behaviour, such as verbal and physical aggression towards site staff, will be reported to the council and investigated.  Where unacceptable behaviour by site users is proven, the permit may be rescinded.

19. Residents visiting the recycling centres with a hired van or commercial type vehicle do not need to apply for a permit but should show the recycling centre staff proof of their Wiltshire address (e.g. a council tax bill or driver's licence) and the hire agreement for the vehicle before any waste is deposited. The recycling centre staff reserve the right to refuse access if these documents cannot be produced.

20. Wiltshire Council residents visiting a recycling centre using a vehicle that requires a permit and that has been borrowed from a workplace, must be able to produce a letter printed on headed paper from the business clearly showing the date(s) for which the van has been borrowed and to whom it has been loaned. Recycling centre staff may check the waste being deposited and you may be asked to complete a disclaimer form to confirm that the waste is from a household source.

21. If you are borrowing a vehicle from a family member or friend, please bring the permit registered to the vehicle you are borrowing. If the vehicle does not have a permit, you can register for one in your own name providing you have permission from the owner. However, only one permit will be issued per vehicle so please be certain that they do not wish to apply for one themselves. 

22. The council reserves the right to change the terms and conditions relating to the issue of Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permit at any time.

A VCSE Household Recycling Centre Permit allows you to dispose of recyclable materials that have been donated by Wiltshire Council residents but have been unable to be repurposed or resold.

VCSE Household Recycling Centre Permit holders are not permitted to dispose of any non-recyclable items.

Charges

Wiltshire Council offers a 6-visit permit for £67, or a 12-visit for £107. This permit does not expire but you are only able to renew your visits 12 months from the date your permit was issued.

Eligibility criteria

In order to be issued with a chargeable permit your organisation will need to meet all of the eligibility criteria specified below. If you meet the criteria, you should email recyclingcentres@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for an application form.

Using your permit

Upon a successful application we will issue your QR-code permit via email. You must show this to HRC staff to record your visit. We can provide a copy via post upon request.

Vehicles prohibited on site

The following vehicles are prohibited from accessing a HRC:

• trailers over 3 metres in length
• vans, pickups or flatbeds whilst towing a trailer of any size
• horse box trailers
• any vehicle weighing over 3.5 tonnes

For more information about VCSE permits, see our Frequently asked questions page.

Any VCSE group visiting Wiltshire Council's Household Recycling Centres will need to obtain a permit from Wiltshire Council in order to use these facilities.

Please read the following terms and conditions before you apply for a permit:

1. There is no expiry date on the permit however you will only be able to renew your permit 12 months after it has been issued.
2. A recycling centre permit allows certain voluntary, community or social enterprise groups to access Wiltshire Council's recycling centres and to dispose of recyclable materials only. Non-recyclables cannot be disposed of.
3. You will only be able to apply for a recycling centre permit if you are a charity whose goods have been donated for reuse by residents and you have been unable to reuse or resell these items.
4. The following vehicles are not permitted at any recycling centres:
   • any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross/laden weight
   • trailers over 3.0 metres in length
   • horse box trailers
   • vans, pickups or flatbeds with a trailer of any size
5. Access to recycling centres will be refused for any VCSE group without a valid permit.
6. Permits will only be issued to VCSE groups operating in the local authority area of Wiltshire. This excludes Swindon Borough Council.
7. A permit will not be issued to groups who do not fully complete the application form. Any incomplete information may mean that a permit is not issued.
8. The council reserves the right to check the accuracy of any vehicle information provided with the DVLA.
9. A QR code will be issued via email or letter. When visiting a recycling centre, you must show your QR code to a member of site staff who will scan it, and this will reduce your remaining visits by one each time.
10. If you visit the recycling centres more than once in one day, each visit will be counted separately.
11. Permits are only valid for the vehicles documented on the permit. Permits are issued for up to three vehicles, so any member of the VCSE group may visit the site using the vehicles registered on permit. Please see point 14 for information regarding a change in vehicle.
12. Permits are valid at all recycling centres operated by Wiltshire Council. Please note this excludes any sites located in Swindon, or other neighbouring counties.
13. The maximum number of permitted visits is 12 per year. This could be through 1 purchase of a 12-visit permit, or 2 purchases of a 6-visit permit. If you choose to purchase a permit for 6 visits but then make a second purchase of a 6-visit permit later, we will add these visits to your current permit to give you the maximum of 12-visits per year. (For example, if your original purchase of 6 visits was issued on the 5 September 2024, your earliest renewal date will be 5 September 2025. If you later purchase 6 more visits in March 2025, the earliest renewal date will remain as 5 September 2025.)
14. If you change your address or vehicle(s) please contact the council, along with details of the changes required. If you sell/return your vehicle(s), you must not pass on the permit to the new owner.
15. If you lose your permit, please contact the council. The council can re-issue the QR code.
16. The council reserves the right to cancel permits and amend the operation of the household recycling centre permit scheme at any time.
17. The council reviews its charges annually but reserves the right to vary charges with reasonable notice at any time.
18. If the VCSE group wishes to cancel their permit, they can do so by contacting the council. No refunds will be given.
19. The recycling centre staff reserve the right to query the origin and nature of the waste you are bringing into the site.
20. The recycling centre staff reserve the right to refuse access if a permit cannot be produced.
21. The recycling centre staff reserve the right to ask anyone who abuses them, either verbally or physically, to leave the site. Wiltshire Council, FCC Environment and Hills Waste Solutions will not tolerate any violent, aggressive, abusive, or threatening behaviour towards site staff.

Questions you have asked us about Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) and our answers.

If you collect waste as part of a business or a fee is charged, this becomes commercial waste and you must use commercial waste disposal sites, not Household Recycling Centres. These are for the sole use of householders disposing of their own waste. If you use a Household Recycling Centre to dispose of commercial waste you are breaking the law. See the Clinical, hazardous and commercial waste page for information on what to do with commercial waste.

Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permits

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) Household Recycling Centre Permits

1. Introduction

Wiltshire Council is committed to providing accessible, efficient, and safe Household Recycling Centres (HRCs). These centres help residents responsibly manage their household waste and recycling. This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for using HRCs in Wiltshire.

2. Purpose

This policy aims to: 

• provide guidance on the use of HRCs by Wiltshire residents
• ensure the safe and efficient operation of HRCs
• promote waste minimisation and recycling in line with Wiltshire Council's environmental objectives

3. Access to Household Recycling Centres

3.1 Eligibility

• HRCs are available to all Wiltshire residents. You may need to provide proof of residency, such as a council tax bill, utility bill, or driving licence. 
• residents can use HRCs free of charge for disposing of their own household waste and recyclables only
• commercial and trade waste is not accepted
• if you collect waste as part of a business or a fee is charged, this becomes commercial waste and you must use commercial waste disposal sites, not Household Recycling Centres. These are for the sole use of householders disposing of their own waste. If you use a Household Recycling Centre in this way you are breaking the law

3.2 Vehicle access and permits

• private cars and small trailers (under 1.8 metres in length) do not need a permit
• permits are required for vans, pickups, and large trailers (between 1.8 metres and 3 metres in length). You must apply online for an electronic permit, which will be issued as a QR code. Permits allow a maximum of 12 visits per year. Please visit Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permits for more information
• vehicles such as fully-fitted campervans with permanent living fixtures do not require a permit unless they have been modified for load carrying. 
• the sites aren't designed for safe pedestrian access and this is not permitted unless authorised by site management. 

Visit the Household Recycling Centre Vehicle Permits page for more information.

3.3 Opening hours

Opening days vary by site. All HRCs are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.  

Please check the Locations and opening times before visiting your local centre.

4. Permitted waste types

4.1 Recyclable waste

• residents are encouraged to sort their recyclable waste before visiting a HRC. Recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, garden waste, and electrical items

Visit What you can bring to a Household Recycling Centre page for the full list of items accepted.

• asbestos can only be disposed of at specific HRCs (Amesbury, Purton, and Warminster) and by appointment. You must contact the site in advance

Visit the Clinical, hazardous and commercial page for details on how to arrange disposal.

4.2 Non-recyclable waste

• non-recyclable household waste can be disposed of at Household Recycling Centres. This includes items such as mattresses and nappies.
• larger items like furniture and upholstered domestic seating are accepted but must be disposed of in designated areas within the HRC.

More details are available on What you can bring to a Household Recycling Centre.

5. Restricted and Prohibited Items

5.1 Restricted items and prohibited items

For full details on restricted and prohibited items please visit What you can bring to a Household Recycling Centre and the Clinical, hazardous and commercial page for guidance.

6. Waste sorting requirement

Residents are asked to sort their waste before visiting an HRC to reduce time on site and maximise recycling. A third of the waste disposed of in general rubbish skips could have been recycled if properly sorted. Visit the Sort it before you bring it page for more information on how to sort your waste before a visit.

7. Site conduct and safety

Site rules:

• always follow the instructions given by site staff
• abusive behaviour will not be tolerated
• smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use are strictly prohibited on HRC premises
• no items can be removed from site
• children and pets must always remain inside vehicles for their safety
• ensure your waste is securely loaded and contained to prevent accidents or spills during transport
• you must reverse park in the designated bays

These rules ensure the safety of visitors and staff at Household Recycling Centres. Failure to comply with site conduct and safety rules will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave the site.

8. Enforcement and penalties

• misuse of Household Recycling Centres, including attempting to dispose of trade waste or prohibited hazardous materials, may result in penalties, fines, or prosecution. For more information please visit the Fly-tipping page for more information
• Wiltshire Council reserves the right to restrict or ban access to HRCs for anyone found in breach of this policy

9. Monitoring and review

Wiltshire Council's waste management team will review this policy annually to ensure compliance with national legislation and assess the effectiveness of HRC services. Amendments may be made in response to legislative changes, operational requirements, or community needs.

10. Contact Information

For any enquiries relating to this policy, email wasteandrecycling@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).