Recycling Centres FAQs

Do I have to wear a face covering when I visit a recycling centre?

No, you can still visit the recycling centre without wearing a face covering, however the recycling centres can become busy especially at the weekends, wearing a face covering will help to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Are all the containers open at the recycling centres?

Yes, all recycling containers are open as normal.

Have the opening times changed?

Recycling centres are still open 7 days a week. For opening times visit, Recycling Centres Opening Times web page

What types of waste can I take to the Recycling Centres?

Please check our A-Z recycling guide for a full list of what you can take.

Important information about personal waste

If anyone in your household has Covid-19 symptoms, please dispose of your personal waste following Government guidance, this includes:

What is not accepted at the recycling centres?

You can take household asbestos to a waste transfer facility.

Do I need to take proof of address when I visit a Recycling Centre?

No.

Can I visit if I’m in van or have a trailer?

If you are using a single axle trailer you can use the recycling centre as normal. If you are using a van, pick-up truck or a twin-axle trailer to dispose of your household waste you will now need to apply for a permit. No trade waste is allowed.

My vehicle is over 2 metres high, can I use the entrance for high-sided vehicles?

To make it easier to recycle we have removed the 2 metre height restrictions at our recycling centres (except Spring Vale in Rochdale and Every Street in Bury).

If you have a vehicle over 2 metres high and are planning to go to our recycling centre at Every Street in Bury, you can visit the waste transfer facility to dispose of your waste and recycling.

You must bring and wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and provide a proof of address when you visit.  For more information, visit how to dispose of household waste in a vehicle over 2 metres high.

I have furniture to donate. Are the furniture reuse containers open?

Yes, furniture reuse containers are available at the following Recycling Centres:

What should I expect when I visit?

Recycling Centre staff are wearing full face visors so they are now able to provide advice but they are NOT able to help you unload your vehicle. Please keep 2 metres apart from other site users and staff. Two people from the same household are allowed to leave their vehicle to unload large items only. All other passengers much remain in their vehicle. Please wash your hands when you return home.

Do the visit limits introduced in February 2020 still apply?

Yes they do still apply. ANPR and CCTV is still be used to monitor the number of vehicles using the Recycling Centres. Any visits made before 1st April 2020 will not be counted towards your annual allowance for this year. Individual vehicle visit numbers will be monitored to identify any suspected trade waste abuse. Traders are not allowed to use the Recycling Centres.

I have a mattress to get rid of, can i take it to any of the Recycling Centres?

Yes, if you can’t get to one of the Recycling Centres with a mattress recycling container, you can take it to your nearest Recycling Centre and put it in the general waste container. Please ask a member of the SUEZ staff who will advise you which container to put it in.

I want to hire a vehicle, can I do this?

Yes, if the hire vehicle is under 2 metres high you can visit a Recycling Centre. Please make sure you bring the hire documents with you. You can only bring household waste, no trade waste is allowed. Please visit our Hire Van Permit page for more information.

If the hire vehicle is over 2 metres high you can visit a waste transfer facility to dispose of your waste and recycling. You must bring and wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and provide a proof of address when you visit.  For more information, visit how to dispose of household waste in a vehicle over 2 metres high.

How do I get rid of asbestos and plasterboard safely?

Plasterboard can be taken to either a household recycling centre or a waste transfer facility, depending on the size of your vehicle.

Asbestos can be taken to a waste transfer facility.

For more information, visit:

Asbestos page

Plasterboard page

What if I don’t want to buy my own personal protective equipment to visit a waste transfer facility?

There are many licenced trade waste companies who will remove your waste for a charge. Please visit Dsposal. You could also contact your local council as many offer a bulky waste collection service or hire a skip to dispose of excess household waste.

Recycle for Greater Manchester