Visiting recycling centres

Coronavirus information - updated 01 April 2020

In line with the latest Government advice, we have taken the decision to close all Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) until further notice.

Going to the HWRC is not one of the four essential reasons to leave your home which were specified by the Government as part of its measures taken against the coronavirus. Northamptonshire County Council has a role to encourage and enforce the stay at home message.

During this period we are asking Northamptonshire’s residents to store any waste that they would normally take to the HWRCs until the HWRC sites reopen. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

It is strongly recommended that residents should follow the Government advice to stay at home.

Find out what you can expect from your visit to a household waste recycling centre (HWRC)​, including access to sites, waste restrictions and the best times to visit.

Usual opening times

10am to 6pm

There are differences in which days each site is open, so please check individual HWRC opening times before visiting.

If you arrive before a site opens, traffic can form and if it reaches the highway you may be asked to move your vehicle.

There are dedicated sites for trade or commercial waste that have separate opening hours.

Best times to visit

Try to visit the site as late as possible – sites are busiest at the weekends between 10am to 2pm, and during school and bank holidays.

You can also check the live webcam feed from your local HWRC to see how busy the site is before making a trip. To save time at the HWRC please pre-sort your waste before visiting.

Site safety

  • please wear suitable clothing (no open toe footwear)
  • use gloves when handling sharp or heavy items
  • place all items in the correct containers
  • co-operate with staff and ask for assistance if needed
  • bring someone along with you if you are bringing heavy or awkwardly sized items
  • keep children and animals inside your vehicle at all times
  • observe the 5mph speed limit
  • respect staff and other customers
  • comply with all policies such as the e-permit and DIY waste restrictions
  • all commercial and chargeable household waste must be paid for
  • only park in marked bays or as directed by staff
  • be alert when at a HWRC, do not be distracted by mobile phones or cameras

Needing assistance

If you require assistance on site, please speak to a member of the HWRC staff who will be happy to help you.

Vehicles allowed at HWRCs

Commercial-type vehicles and cars towing a trailer (under 1.8m in length) require a free waste e-permit to use waste recycling centres. All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes laden weight and trailers over 1.8m in length are not allowed at any of the recycling centres.

If you are unsure whether you need an e-permit or how they apply to you, please read our FAQs on waste e-permits.

For all other vehicle access you can check our restrictions at HWRCs page.

For safety reasons pedestrian access is not permitted at any of the recycling centres. However, if you do not have access to a vehicle please email the waste management team, at wastemanagement@northamptonshire.gov.uk, who will try to make other arrangements.

There are alternative recycling sites, if you wish to walk, located throughout the county. You can find them by using the Recycle Now location finder and entering your postcode.