recycling centres FAQs

We operate three household waste and recycling centres in North Somerset, plus numerous recycling banks.

Where is my nearest recycling centre?

Our recycling centres are at Backwell, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare. You can find all our recycling sites on our interactive map - choose the 'Recycling Sites' option on the left-hand side menu.

What are the facilities at each centre?

Click on the icon for each recycling facility on our interactive map to find out what you can recycle at each facility - choose the 'Recycling Sites' option on the left-hand side menu.

When are the recycling centres open?

Backwell
Open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-4.30pm, Sunday 9am-4pm. Closed on bank holidays.
Portishead
Open Monday to Sunday 8am-6pm, bank holidays 8am-4.30pm.
Weston-super-Mare
Open Monday to Sunday 8am-6pm, bank holidays 8am-4.30pm.

Do you accept commercial waste at recycling centres?

No, we only accept household waste and recycling.

What materials can I recycle at the centres?

Read our what can be recycled FAQs for more information.

What materials are not accepted at the centres?

boats in whole or part
clinical waste
commercial or trade waste, unless payment is made at the weigh bridge in Weston-super-Mare
commercial vehicle tyres for vans, tractors or lorries
end of life vehicles, caravans or trailers in whole or part
explosives or ammunition
fire works and signal flares
loose or un-bagged soil or rubble
very large items of waste electrical equipment such as computer servers and air conditioning units

What materials are accepted in restricted quantities at the centres?

cement bonded asbestos: two sheets per visit or per week, whichever is less. This must be double wrapped in thick polythene sheeting and fully sealed with strong tape, or in thick plastic sacks in small pieces.
car tyres: five per visit or per week whichever is less.
fire extinguisher: one domestic size per visit or per week, whichever is less.
propane or butane gas 15KG bottles: one per visit or per week, whichever is less.
soil and rubble: five standard size (80 litre) refuse bags per visit or per week, whichever is less.

What are the addresses of the recycling centres?

Backwell
Coles Quarry, Church Town, Backwell BS48 3JF.
Portishead
Black Rock Quarry, Valley Road, Portishead BS20 8JY.
Weston-super-Mare
Aisecombe Way, Weston-super-Mare BS22 8NA.

Why do you use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems at your sites?

We use ANPR to identify high users of the recycling centre to prevent abuse of the facility by unauthorised users, such as traders.

As a resident, if you use the centre(s) frequently, you may be asked to fill out a declaration form to confirm that the waste is from your house, the attendant will ask you a few questions and record the information. There is no need to be concerned about this, we're just making sure that the facility is not abused.

I am a trader, where can I dispose of my waste?

Business can dispose of their waste at Weston Transfer Station, Aisecombe Way, Weston-super-Mare. There is a charge for this service. For more information contact the transfer station on 01934 419 447.

Can I take my waste electrical equipment to a recycling centre?

Yes. Small electrical items such as kettles, toasters, hairdryers, cameras and mobile phones can all be taken to our recycling centre. Some retailers also take old electrical items if you buy a new one from their store.

What is the WEEE directive and how can I find out more?

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) came in to force in January 2007 and aims to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and encourage everyone to reuse, recycle and recover it. Visit the Environment Agency website to find out more.