​Colchester Recycling Centre & Tip Opening Times, Rules & Booking Info

Open today : 09:00 - 17:00

Do you need to book a slot before visiting the tip in Colchester? Discover the car booking rules, opening times, and accepted waste items for Colchester Recycling Centre, proudly managed by essex county council in Essex.

Location & Address

221 Shrub End Road
Colchester, Essex
CO3 4RN

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Contact Information

Phone Number

0345 743 0430
Reuse Shop No
Disabled Access Yes
Staff Assistance No
Trailers Allowed Yes
Local ID Required Yes
Height BarrierNone

Opening Times

Summer Hours

1 March to 15 October

  • monday 09:00 - 17:00
  • tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
  • thursday 09:00 - 17:00
  • friday 09:00 - 17:00
  • saturday 09:00 - 17:00
  • sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Winter Hours

16 October to 28 February

  • monday 09:00 - 16:00
  • tuesday 09:00 - 16:00
  • wednesday 09:00 - 16:00
  • thursday 09:00 - 16:00
  • friday 09:00 - 16:00
  • saturday 09:00 - 16:00
  • sunday 09:00 - 16:00

Holiday & Closures

Christmas DayBoxing DayNew Year's Day

Bank Holidays

09:00 - 16:00

Spotted incorrect details? Help us keep the information for Colchester Recycling Centre up to date. If you see wrong opening times or rules, please let us know!

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Accepted Items

  • Household waste
  • Vapes
  • Large electrical appliances
  • DIY waste
  • Wooden furniture
  • Scrap wood
  • Scrap metal
  • Cardboard
  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Plastics
  • Textiles
  • Garden waste
  • Fridges and freezers
  • Batteries

Rejected Items

  • Commercial waste
  • Business waste
  • Trade waste

Can I bring my broken refrigerator?

Yes, you can bring your unwanted fridge to us.

Will you take a bed mattress?

No, this facility is not equipped to handle mattresses.

Can I bring a corner sofa?

Yes, old sofas are accepted for recycling.

Top Advice for Colchester Tip

1Locating the Shrub End Depot

Positioned on Maldon Road, just a short drive past the famous local zoo, finding this waste tip is a breeze. The entrance is wide, but it is highly recommended to approach from the town centre direction to avoid awkward right turns.

2Mandatory Ticket System

Gone are the days of just showing up; a confirmed electronic appointment is now absolutely essential. When approaching the barrier at the tip, have your photo identification pressed against the closed window so staff can quickly wave you through.

3Handling Heavy Loads Carefully

Pack heavy items near the edge of your car boot to prevent straining your back when lifting them out. It is also wise to wear heavy-duty gardening gloves to avoid splinters when throwing wood into the skips at the local tip.

4Ban on Professional Waste Streams

Taxpayer funds only cover domestic disposal, meaning any refuse generated from a commercial property or paid gig is completely outlawed. Site managers at this rubbish tip have the authority to turn away any suspiciously heavy-duty vans.

5The Restoration and Salvage Point

Before you hurl that old wooden chair or functioning lamp into the crusher, consider its potential. The on-site charity container happily accepts items in fair condition, ensuring they avoid incineration and find new owners.

6Blacklisted Items and Construction Limits

Do not bring highly reactive chemicals, old petrol, or commercial-grade pesticides to this location. Furthermore, if you have recently knocked down a garden wall, be aware that you can only bring a very small, strictly limited amount of hardcore per week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to drop off waste?
Yes, the site operates on a booking-only basis.
Are you open for business on bank holidays?
Yes, we are open over bank holiday weekends.
Are large vans allowed?
Yes, you can tow a trailer to drop off waste.
Do you accept broken tiles from DIY work?
Yes, you can bring soil and rubble from DIY jobs.

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