​Chelson Meadow Recycling Centre (Rubbish Tip) – Booking Rules, Opening Times & Guide

Open today : 08:30 - 17:30

If you are using a larger vehicle, find out if you need a van permit for Chelson Meadow Recycling Centre, we provide all the necessary plymouth city council site rules, opening hours, and car booking details for this busy rubbish tip located in Plymouth, Devon.

Location & Address

The Ride, Plymstock
Plymouth, Devon
PL9 7JA

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Reuse Shop No
Disabled Access No
Staff Assistance No
Trailers Allowed Yes
Local ID Required Yes
Height BarrierNone

Opening Times

Summer Hours

  • monday 08:30 - 17:30
  • tuesday 08:30 - 17:30
  • wednesday 08:30 - 17:30
  • thursday 08:30 - 17:30
  • friday 08:30 - 17:30
  • saturday 08:30 - 17:30
  • sunday 08:30 - 17:30

Winter Hours

  • monday 08:30 - 17:30
  • tuesday 08:30 - 17:30
  • wednesday 08:30 - 17:30
  • thursday 08:30 - 17:30
  • friday 08:30 - 17:30
  • saturday 08:30 - 17:30
  • sunday 08:30 - 17:30

Holiday & Closures

Christmas DayBoxing DayNew Year's Day

Bank Holidays

Open as normal, except closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

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Accepted Items

  • General household waste
  • Bulky waste items such as sofa's, armchairs, mattresses, and furniture
  • Wood
  • Garden waste
  • Scrap metal
  • Fridges, freezers, and fridge/freezers
  • Small electrical items, hairdryers, toasters, microwaves etc
  • Large electrical items, cookers, washing machines, tumble-dryers
  • TV's, computer monitors
  • Recycling 'bring bank' items, clothing, paper, cans, cartons and glass bottles
  • Antifreeze
  • Household chemicals
  • Car or household batteries
  • Fluorescent tubes and low energy lamps
  • Gas bottles
  • Cooking oil
  • Engine oil
  • Asbestos
  • Paint
  • Soil and rubble
  • Ceramics
  • Plasterboard
  • Window glass

Rejected Items

  • Clinical waste

Chargeable Items

Soil/Rubble Including bricks, breeze blocks, concrete, drainage pipes, gravel, hardcore, paving slabs, rubble, sand, sanitary ware, soil, slates/slabs, stones, tarmac, tiles and turf£3.10 per bag or item, £70 for loose material presented in a small trailer, £138 for loose material presented in a large trailer
Plasterboard£7.50 per bag or sheet

Can I bring kitchen appliances like a fridge?

Unfortunately, fridges cannot be left at this tip.

Is mattress disposal allowed here?

No, household bed mattresses are not permitted.

Can I dispose of my sofa here?

Yes, we take unwanted settees off your hands.

What to know before visiting Chelson Meadow Tip

1Getting Down to The Ride

Situated along The Ride, just a short distance from the historic Saltram House estate and the Laira Bridge, this major facility is highly accessible. Traffic can back up along the approach road during sunny bank holidays, so an early morning arrival is often your best bet.

2Demonstrating Your Plymouth Roots

Gatemen demand visual confirmation that you pay your municipal taxes to Plymouth City Council before granting access. Having your recent water invoice or a valid photographic driving document ready to show through your car window will keep the queues moving swiftly.

3Large Capacity Transport Paperwork

If your chosen set of wheels is a commercial-style van or pulls a cargo attachment, skipping the online registration phase will leave you stranded at the gates. You must fill out the required digital forms on the council portal to secure your entry slot.

4Navigating the Gantries with Care

You cannot simply stroll in off the pavement with your refuse, as pedestrians are entirely prohibited for safety reasons. Furthermore, wearing flimsy sandals is incredibly risky on the metal walkways, so lace up a pair of sturdy shoes before you visit the Rubbish Tip.

5Corporate Refuse Tariffs

While standard residential drop-offs cost nothing, this location operates a dedicated commercial weighbridge. Independent businesses and contractors must declare their loads and pay the appropriate tariff to offload their materials legally.

6Second-Hand Goods Triage

Hold off on throwing your functioning furniture into the main crushers. A specialized drop-off cabin operates on-site to siphon off usable household treasures, passing them along to local charity initiatives that support families across the city.

7Regulated Disposals and Hazards

Never mix dangerous goods like raw asbestos sheets or pressurized gas with your regular household clear-out. These volatile materials have highly specific handling protocols and you will be heavily penalized or turned away if you bring them unannounced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a booking system in place?
No, you can bring your rubbish without booking.
Is it possible to visit on a bank holiday?
Yes, we welcome visitors on public holidays.
Is there a size limit for trailers here?
Yes, you may use a van to visit us.
Is DIY rubbish accepted?
Yes, plasterboard and DIY materials are taken here.

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