Household Waste Recycling Centres - Waste Acceptance Policy (WAP)

Contents

• Introduction
• Disclaimer, compliments and complaints
• Household Waste Recycling Centres - customers
• General access and restrictions
• Booking a visit
• Van and trailer permit scheme
• Household Waste Recycling Centres - types of waste
• Chargeable/DIY waste
• Commercial waste
• Charities and other organisations
• Non-Oxfordshire residents
• Appendix 1: Locations and addresses of Oxfordshire's HWRCs
• Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules
• Appendix 3: Price list (all prices are inclusive of VAT and are correct as of 14th January 2026)

Introduction

1. Under Section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act, Oxfordshire County Council (the council) as a Waste Disposal Authority (WDA) has a legal duty to provide Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) for Oxfordshire residents.
2. The council currently provides seven HWRCs across the county which are managed on a day-to-day basis by management contractors. The sites are listed below with further site details provided in Appendix 1, Locations and addresses of Oxfordshire's HWRCs.
   
   1. Alkerton – near Banbury
   2. Ardley Fields – near Bicester
   3. Dix Pit – near Witney/Eynsham
   4. Drayton – near Abingdon/Didcot
   5. Oakley Wood – near Wallingford
   6. Redbridge – in Oxford
   7. Stanford in the Vale – near Faringdon
3. This policy document has been developed to provide a set of rules and guidelines for the use of HWRCs with the following additional aims:

• To maximise re-use, recycling, composting and recovery in line with the waste hierarchy.
• To protect the health and safety of site staff and householders.
• To maximise operational efficiency at the sites – in order to minimise waiting times and facilitate safe and efficient working practices.
• To help protect the environment – by complying with all relevant legislation related to the disposal of waste.In particular the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, as amended by the 2023 Amendment Regulations,Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
• To control waste disposal costs to council taxpayers through prevention of the illegal use of HWRCs by traders seeking to deposit commercial waste (also known as trade waste) as household waste.

4. Customers are reminded of their ‘Duty of Care’ with regards to disposal of their waste. Customers should note that, if arranging alternative disposal, it is their responsibility to make any necessary arrangements and cover costs of disposal.
   
   1. If a customer arranges for someone to take away any of their waste, they are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that the person or company they are handing the waste to is legally authorised to take it, transport it and dispose of it safely.
   2. For this, they need to be registered as a licensed waste carrier. Customers can check the list of registered waste carriers at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency or by calling 03708 506 506. It is prudent to keep a record of the waste carrier’s details including vehicle registration.
   3. If a customer does not undertake the above steps they could be liable for a fine of up to £5,000.

Disclaimer, compliments and complaints

5. The contents of the policy are correct at the time of writing, and document control dates are shown on the front page of this document. However, the council reserves the right to amend the policy at any time. Any strategy reviews that materially affect this document will be subject to a policy review (periodic or extraordinary).
6. Where charges apply for the acceptance of certain types of waste (e.g. DIY and tyres), or entrance fee for non-Oxfordshire residents, these charges are subject to periodic review. Further details can be found on the council’s website: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/household-waste/household-waste-recycling-centres.
7. The council and our management contractors are always seeking ways of improving customer experience and welcome feedback through customer compliments, comments, or complaints.
8. We will investigate complaints and acknowledge compliments and comments. Contact details are provided on information boards at each HWRC site and details of the formal complaints process is published on the council website.
9. The council collects personal data as part of its booking system, van and trailer permit scheme, declaration of household waste process, CCTV, and body worn video cameras. The council will use this information to review site usage and ensure compliance with this policy. Details may also be shared with the Environment Agency and other law enforcement agencies for the purpose of carrying out a statutory function or prevention or detection of crime. A detailed Data Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA) has been undertaken and is available.

Household Waste Recycling Centres - customers

10. The primary purpose of HWRCs is to provide a facility for Oxfordshire residents to deposit certain household waste materials that may not otherwise be taken by the routine collection services provided by Waste Collection Authorities (WCA). Household waste is defined in the Controlled Waste Regulations (2012) as amended by the 2023 Amendment Regulations, to include:
    
    1. Waste from domestic properties used wholly for living accommodation.
    2. Waste from caravans, residential homes, and penal institutions.
    3. Waste from educational establishments, hospitals, and nursing homes used to provide care services.
    4. Garden waste, litter, and waste from charity shops, if originating from domestic properties.
    5. Construction and demolition waste, only if:
       
       1. Produced at a domestic property by the owner or occupier (i.e. not by a paid contractor),
       2. Each transport of waste is less than 100 litres, and
       3. Each item is smaller than 2000mm × 750mm × 700mm,
    6. Note that some materials considered as household waste are not accepted at HWRCs please see Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules, for a fuller breakdown of accepted and non-accepted waste materials.
11. Residents living outside of Oxfordshire should use recycling centres provided by their own local authority, however they are able to use Oxfordshire HWRCs for a fee (see section on Non-Oxfordshire Household for further details).
12. As an exception and at its absolute discretion, the councilmay allow the disposal of household waste by an individual depositing on behalf of a friend or neighbour (resident in Oxfordshire), who is unable to transport the waste themselves, and who the depositor is helping on a voluntary basis. In this instance the depositor may be asked to complete a declaration of household waste form verifying that the waste is not commercial waste.The information recorded on the declaration of household waste form will be recorded by the council to review and this may lead to an investigation of any suspected misuse with further action undertaken.
13. The household waste containers at HWRCs ARE NOTprovided for the disposal of commercial waste (see section on commercial waste for further information).
14. Landlords should note that waste produced from properties that are rented out and disposed of by, or on behalf of the landlord, is classed as commercial waste. Waste generated by a business operating from home is also viewed as commercial waste. These types of waste are not accepted at HWRCs.

General access and restrictions

15. As of 14 January 2026, all customers are required to book before visiting one of the HWRCs using the online booking form (see section on booking a visit).
16. The HWRCs are open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
17. Vehicle restrictions:
    
    1. Commercial type vehicles are generally defined as a vehicle such as a van, a pick-up, or vehicle with N1 classification vehicle (defined as a vehicle specifically designed for the carriage of goods or equipment rather than passengers) or a minibus.
    2. The council operates a van and trailer permit scheme for customers wishing to use any of the above vehicle types which will allow these vehicles access but with some restrictions (see section on the van and trailer permit scheme for more details).
    3. Vans and trailers but also mobility adapted vehicles or taxis have restricted access to the HWRCs to prevent unauthorised use by trade persons or commercial enterprises.
18. Pedestrian access is not permitted onto any of Oxfordshire’s HWRCs as there are no segregated walkways to enable pedestrians to safely enter and exit the sites. This may be reviewed in future developments and site refurbishments should opportunities arise.
19. Depositing waste outside the gates or on the access road to an HWRC site is fly-tipping and as such may be subject to enforcement action.
20. Customers attending the HWRCs must comply with the site rules and this Waste Acceptance Policy.

Booking a visit

21. As of 14 January 2026, all customers using Oxfordshire HWRCs will be required to book their visits in advance using the online booking system. Bookings can be made up to 2 weeks ahead of, and up to 30 minutes prior to your visit, subject to availability.
22. Visits are booked by completing the online booking form which is accessible through the Oxfordshire County Council website. Customers without access to the internet can call customer services to create a booking.
    
    1. Bookings can be amended but cannot be transferred to another HWRC. Customers will need to cancel their booking then book again if they wish to change their booking to a different site.
    2. Customers need to cancel their booking if they are not going to attend.
23. Separate online booking forms are available for the disposal of asbestos; or for disposing of waste on behalf of a charity.
24. All customers will be required to bring a proof of address when arriving at a HWRC following their booking. Acceptable forms of proof of address include driving licence, utility bill, or proof of council tax.
25. When making a booking, certain vehicle types and all trailers will require a separate van and trailer permit (see section on the van and trailer permit scheme), and customers will be prompted to apply for such a permit if required. Once issued they will have to enter their permit number to proceed, and a visit will be recorded against the van and trailer van and trailer permit.

DIY bookings

26. Where customers have DIY waste, they will be prompted on how many DIY visits they have used within the past 7 days. See Chargeable/DIY waste section for more details of how charges are applied.
27. If DIY waste has been brought to site but was not selected when making a booking, the site staff will record that visit as a DIY visit and will charge appropriately. See Chargeable/DIY waste section for details on the allowances for DIY waste.

Van and trailer permit scheme

28. The van and trailer permit scheme was introduced to control the illegal deposit of trade waste at the HWRCs and to help to manage the flow of traffic through the sites. In particular the HWRC’s have vehicle size restrictions in place due to manoeuvrability and health and safety considerations.
29. A van and trailer permit is required if you plan to visit an HWRC in a commercial-type vehicle such as a van, pick up (up to a maximum length 5.8m), or with a trailer (with a maximum length of 2.4m). Please see table 1 below for vehicles eligible for a van and trailer permit.
30. Each van and trailer permit allows 10 visits in total per 12-month period and each of these will need to be reapplied for after 12 months.
31. The van and trailer permit applies to a vehicle or a trailer accessing the HWRC along with a valid booking and not the type of waste being carried. Site staff have the right to turn away a vehicle if it is suspected of carrying commercial waste, or to ask for a declaration of household waste form to be completed.
32. Only one van and trailer permit will be approved per address. If a household has more than one commercial-type vehicle then they will have to decide which vehicle is most suitable for their use.
33. Commercial-type vehicles cannot be used to tow a trailer of any length.
34. The terms and conditions of the van and trailer scheme are available on the council’s web site. Permit holders are required to understand, accept, and comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme at all times. The council reserves the right to revoke a permit under any circumstances.

Table 1 lists the vehicles that either do or do not require a van and trailer permit. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of every type of vehicle that is required to register for a van and trailer permit or is able to use the sites. Customers of modified or bespoke vehicles, or where it is not clear if a van and trailer permit is needed or not, should contact the council to seek clarification.

35. Customers who use trailers up to 2.4m long will be allocated two parking bays on booking and customers are required to park the trailer in one bay and the towing vehicle in the adjacent bay.

Table 1: Vehicle types that do or do not require a van and trailer permit to access Oxfordshire HWRCs.

Vehicles not allowed to use the Household Waste Recycling Centres

37. The council has identified a range of vehicles that do not have access to the HWRCs. This list of vehicles, which are subject to periodic review, include but are not limited to:
    
    1. Vehicles carrying commercial waste.
    2. Business branded/sign-written vehicles (see below for further information)
    3. Vehicle longer than 5.8m and/or wider than 2.5m
    4. Vehicles rated greater than 3.5 tonnes when fully laden.
    5. Vehicles eligible for a permit that are also towing trailers (only cars or quad bikes may tow a trailer)
    6. Trailers over 2.4m in length
    7. any vehicle with more than 4 wheels (including double-axle vehicles)
    8. any trailers with more than 4 wheels
    9. any vehicles or trailers with a ramp and/or mechanical tipping mechanism, including tipper trucks and beaver-tail vans.
    10. any box, caged back and/or Luton vans.
    11. Minibus with more than 9 seats
    12. Tractors
    13. Horseboxes or horsebox trailers.
38. Business branded/sign written vehicles are not allowed on HWRCs. If this is the only type of vehicle that a customer has access to in their household and they wish to be considered for exemption they should contact the council for further assistance at wastemanagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk. Further information may be requested, and exemptions would only be granted at the council’s sole discretion.

Hired commercial-type vehicle or trailers

39. Vehicles or trailers, hired by a customer to deposit household waste, for a period of three days or less are permitted to enter the HWRC without a van and trailer permit. The customer will be required to bring the hire purchase agreement and proof of address with them and present them to site staff upon arrival. The restrictions on the vehicle types, sizes, weight, trailer length remain applicable.
40. For vehicle or trailer hire periods over 3 days, customers should contact wastemanagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk where an exemption may be given to allow entry to a HWRC. Further information may be requested, and exemptions would only be granted at the council’s sole discretion.

Tipping mechanisms, tail lifts and ramps

41. Vehicles or trailers with ramps and/or tipping mechanisms are not permitted onto HWRCs.
42. Those using a mobility adapted vehicle will need to apply for a special permit to use their adapted vehicle.

Taxis

43. Customers can hire a taxi to take their waste to an HWRC; however, customers cannot pass waste to a taxi driver to take their waste to an HWRC without attending site themselves with the taxi.
44. Waste legislation states that as a waste producer you have a duty of care to pass your waste to a suitably licensed carrier or take it to a permitted site. When customers have waste to take to a HWRC they are classed as waste producers. The taxi is not a licensed waste carrier and therefore cannot legitimately be passed the waste by the householder.
45. Taxis are able to access HWRCs without a van and trailer permit, as long as the person who produced the waste (the customer who is paying the fare) is in the vehicle with them. If the taxi does not have the waste producer with them, the taxi will be turned way.
46. If the taxi has waste from their own house, (and therefore the taxi driver is the one who has produced the waste, and they are not carrying a passenger) then they will need to apply for a van and trailer permit before making a booking to visit a site.

Household Waste Recycling Centres - types of waste

47. HWRCs are for the deposit of household waste materials for re-use, recycling, composting, recovery, and disposal. Some non-household waste will also be accepted at an appropriate charge, detailed in the Chargeable/DIY waste section.
48. A list of what waste types are accepted at which HWRC, and rules of specific waste types can be found in Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules.
49. Waste from traders, landlords, property development, or commercial operators is not accepted at any of the HWRCs. See Commercial waste section for more details.
50. Declaration of Household Waste Forms will be used where the site staff cannot distinguish whether the waste is the result of commercial or domestic activity. Records will be maintained and will be monitored in case any future enforcement action is required.
51. Further information about HWRCs and waste management in general covering re-use, recycling, composting, recovery and disposal is available via the council’s web site at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste or by using the online enquiry form https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/contact-council/contact-usor by calling 01865 519800. This includes a range of resources, guidance, and tips for residents on how to dispose of waste materials, including the Waste Wizard. Site staff are encouraged to promote these resources to visitors when possible.

Unsorted waste - maximising re-use, recycling and composting

52. The council and its management contractors are committed to seeking to maximise opportunities for re-use, recycling and composting, and minimising waste streams sent for recovery or disposal at HWRCs through the following means:
    
    1. Provision of separate containers for a wide range of different materials.
    2. Recycling containers will be kept clean, available, and accessible at all times.
    3. Clear signage showing which materials can be placed in each container to ensure the correct materials are collected together, minimising contamination;
    4. Customers are required to separate out all recyclable content before their visit.
    5. Site staffwill provide advice about separating materials on site.
53. To increase the amount of waste that is sent for re-use, recycling or composting customers are requested to pre-sort their waste prior to their visit. If waste is not pre-sorted visitors will be directed to a sorting area, where customers will be able place items in to designated containers. Once sorting is completed of all re-useable, recyclable, or compostable materials, the remainder can then be placed in the non-recyclable container. If customers refuse to sort their waste, they will be asked to take the waste away and sort at home.
54. Information on what is accepted in the non-recyclable waste containers is available at the HWRCs and the deposit of waste will be supervised by site staff.

55. Information about re-use and recycling is also available online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste, by using the Waste Wizard search tool https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/recycle-repair-reuse or by using the online enquiry form https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/contact-council/contact-us or telephone for advice on 01865 519800.

Exchange of goods at sites

56. In line with the waste hierarchy the council supports the principle of re-use and recognises that being able to use items again is a better option than recycling them. However, for operational efficiency, the exchange or sale of goods on site between individual customers is not permitted.
57. Once goods are placed in the containers or collection areas of the HWRC, ownership of these goods is passed to the council’s management contractors.
58. The council encourages residents to consider whether their goods are in good condition and reusable before visiting HWRCs. Good quality and reusable goods can be directed to one of the many re-use organisations or charities located within the County or traded/exchanged privately.
59. To check whether goods and items taken to a HWRC are suitable for reuse, the customer should speak to a member of staff. Re-use is run by the management contractors, and they are fully responsible for the items and goods collected for re-use and their onward management including sale.

Chargeable/DIY waste

60. Waste that is generated through building, renovation, construction, and/or demolition work (commonly referred to as ‘DIY’ waste) is classified as industrial waste and therefore a charge can be made when brought to the HWRCs for disposal. Examples of this type of waste include but not limited to: baths, water tanks, window frames (no glass), toilet pans, standard doors, roofing felt and tiles, cisterns, kitchen units (wall or floor), wash basins or kitchen sinks, kitchen worktops, plaster/plasterboard, shower doors or shower trays, radiators, guttering and drain pipes, fence/shed panels, fitted wardrobes/bedroom units, sheet glass, and any inert waste including soil and rubble.
61. Tyres and asbestos are also charged but do not form part of your free allowance see Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules for more details.
62. Oxfordshire customers are allowed to dispose of small amounts of DIY waste, free of charge, once every 7 days. This allowance is limited to two 50-litre rubble bags (or five 20-litre bags) or 1 large item of DIY waste (2m x 0.75m x 0.7m). Customers can bring waste in smaller bags or broken up however staff on site will have the final decision on what is accepted.
63. Customers will be charged for any DIY waste disposed of over the free allowance. Where mixed loads exceed the threshold, the cheapest items will comprise as part of the user’s free allowance.
64. Details of the full pricing schedule of charges for DIY waste and examples of how the charges are applied can be found in Appendix 3: Price list, or on the council’s website.

Commercial waste

65. HWRCs in Oxfordshire are provided for the re-use, recycling, composting, recovery and disposal of household waste from Oxfordshire residents own homes and not for commercial waste.
66. Commercial waste comprises waste produced by a business or commercial activity even if this takes place within a home.
67. All businesses and commercial operators have a legal responsibility to ensure that business waste is stored, transported and disposed of without harming the environment. This is called a Duty of Care.
68. The council’s HWRC management contractors have a contractual duty to challenge site users to establish the source of waste arriving at an HWRC. Where there is sufficient reason to believe that waste is from a commercial source, site staff may prevent this waste from being deposited at an HWRC. Alternatively, they may ask for a declaration of household waste form to be completed and allow that customer to deposit their waste on that occasion. The information recorded on the Declaration of Household Waste Form will be recorded by the council to review and this may lead to an investigation of any suspected misuse with further action undertaken. Refusing to complete a Declaration of Household Waste Form fully, if requested, may result in an individual being refused access to deposit waste.
69. Businesses and commercial operators should make their own arrangements for the collection and/or disposal of their waste either through their local Waste Collection Authority or via a legitimate waste management company. Further information to advise businesses and commercial operators of their obligations and possible methods for dealing with their waste can be found online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste.
70. The Redbridge HWRC operates a private commercial waste recycling and disposal facility. Commercial and other non-household waste is accepted and charged for at this facility, visitors wishing to use this facility should contact the site directly on 01865 721464.

Charities and other organisations

71. Under the Controlled Waste Regulations, a number of organisations (including charities) may be eligible to dispose of household type waste (primarily for donated goods that cannot be sold or re-used) at HWRCs. This may be subject to change in the future.
72. These organisations are still subject to the HWRC vehicle restrictions as set out in van and trailer permit scheme.
73. The charity will need to apply for a charity permit before using the HWRC.
74. Charities will need to book their visit using the online booking form and will require their charity permit number and their vehicle permit number.
75. Charities are not eligible to book DIY visits or dispose of DIY waste.
76. Charities are also required to have a Waste Carriers License.

Non-Oxfordshire residents

77. The council recognises that residents of other local authority areas may wish to use an Oxfordshire HWRC. Customers who are not residents of Oxfordshire can use Oxfordshire’s HWRCs, but a fee will be charged. The pricing for these non-Oxfordshire residents is a flat rate per visit, see Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules, regardless of the quantity or type of household waste brought in, with additional charges for DIY waste and tyres as appropriate.
78. Non-Oxfordshire residents will need to book their visit using the online booking form. Payment will be collected at the HWRC when the visit actually takes place. Further details are provided on the council’s website.
79. Non-Oxfordshire residents are not eligible for a van and trailer permit, and the same vehicle restrictions apply to non-Oxfordshire residents as outlined in the van and trailer permit scheme.

HWRC operations and health and safety

80. The council and its HWRC management contractors and staff shall operate the HWRCs in accordance with health and safety requirements, the council’s safety policy, and the contractor’s own health and safety policy and operational rules.
81. All HWRCs shall have a meet and greet member of staff who will welcome customers, confirm bookings, charge where applicable and provide site instructions and advice.
82. HWRCs may close in exceptional circumstances, such as during severe weather, essential maintenance, and unplanned/emergency events. The council will be proactive in advising visitors of possible delays.
83. Customers may be asked to either wait to access the HWRC or use certain/specific containers when any containers on site are being manoeuvred, emptied or compacted.
84. The council shall fully support its HWRC management contractors in their management of the site in relation to waste being deposited and interactions with customers where the actions of site operators have been reasonable and in accordance with the council policy.
85. Any customers to any HWRC must comply with all health and safety requirements and must follow the directions of HWRC staff in their application of the rules. Failure to comply may result in the person(s) being refused entry or directed to leave the site immediately. The full guidance for visiting the HWRCs, including site rules, can be found on the council’s website.
86. Verbal or physical abuse of staff is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Visitors may be asked to moderate behaviour or to leave the HWRC.
87. CCTV is installed and operated at all HWRCs, and body worn video cameras are also in use to help ensure the health and safety of all site users.
88. Action may be taken if there is breach of either the site rules or the Waste Acceptance Policy. This may include reporting incidents to the police, revoking the van and trailer permit for any relevant vehicle, or banning abusers and/or the relevant vehicles from all HWRCs.

Appendix 1: Locations and addresses of Oxfordshire's HWRCs

For all general enquires please use the online enquiry form at:

Contact a team or service | Oxfordshire County Council

Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules

Accepted waste streams

This is not an exhaustive list. For further guidance please use the Waste Wizard search tool found on the council’s website https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/recycle-repair-reuse.

Unaccepted waste streams

1. The following waste types are not accepted at any of the Oxfordshire HWRCs:

• Tarmac in any grade or form
• Plasterboard with tiles still attached.
• Blue or red pallets (these should be returned to the owner organisation),
• Clinical waste and sharps. This waste stream is collected free of charge from domestic premises by the district or city council, as such this waste will not be accepted at the HWRCs.
• Offensive waste. However, small quantities of offensive waste equivalent to 1 to 2 bags per week are permitted where this is double bagged.
• Animal carcasses (including domestic pets) Details on how to dispose of dead pets are on the council’s website. This is the responsibility of the owner and as such this waste will not be accepted at the HWRCs.
• Animal faeces. However, quantities of animal bedding equivalent to 1 to 2 bags per week are permitted from small domestic pets where this is double bagged.
• Hazardous waste – see section on Chemicals and Solvents
• Un-sectioned trees that cannot be easily lifted by customers or site staff
• Flammable liquids and explosives (e.g. petrol/fireworks/ammunition)
• Commercial, agricultural, or industrial type vehicle tyres
• Other waste that poses a risk to health or property – staff at the HWRC have a right to refuse any waste that falls into this category.
• Commercial waste

Asbestos

2. Ardley, Dix Pit and Redbridge HWRCs are able to accept sheets of cement bonded asbestos fromOxfordshire residents only. Limits and procedures for dealing with this type of waste are in place to protect the health and safety of residents and site operatives.
3. Asbestos sheeting must be double-wrapped in thick polythene (1000 gauge) and sealed in accordance with HSE guidelines which are available on the HSE web site at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
4. Residents should use the asbestos online booking form when planning to dispose of asbestos and this will count towards one for their DIY waste visits, but charges are always applied see below.
5. A maximum of 4 sheets (size 2m x 1m) or equivalent (such as one water tank) are permitted to be disposed of in any one visit, And a maximum of 3 visits per year). It is deemed that normal waste production rates from a domestic household would not exceed 4 sheets over a one-month period. Beyond this a customer may be advised to find alternative disposal routes.
6. The customer should report to HWRC staff and follow the directions given.
7. The customer will be responsible for removing the material from the vehicle and placing it in the skip. To avoid bags breaking, material must be placed in the skip carefully and not thrown in. Material cannot be accepted at HWRCs if it is too big and/or cannot fit in the container.
8. If a person has used a contractor or trades person to remove the asbestos material it is the responsibility of that contractor or trades person to dispose of this correctly and as commercial waste. Before hiring anyone to deal with asbestos, you must establish that they have the necessary Waste Carriers Licence from the Environment Agency and retain all necessary documentation.
9. Further advice may be sought by visiting the council’s website https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling or contacting the council on 01865 519800 or using the online enquiry form at: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/contact-council/contact-us.

Plasterboard

10. Plasterboard and other gypsum wastes is considered to be DIY waste, and therefore the charging regime applies, see Appendix 3: Price list.
11. Plasterboard can be disposed at certain HWRCs, see Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules for a list of sites. At the HWRC, customers are obliged to observe signage and follow the directions of the site staff to ensure plasterboard is placed into the correct container.

Engine oil

12. Engine oil should be poured into the marked collection tanks at each HWRC. Used oil filters and oil containers should be deposited in the marked wheelie bins.
13. Oil should be presented at site in no more than 10 litre containers, due to the weight and the manual handling required to pour the oil into the tank.
14. A maximum of 25 litres of engine oil can be deposited per month.

Chemicals and solvents (including hazardous)

15. Customers bringing chemicals to site must ensure that these are in sealed, undamaged containers. If the chemical is not in the original container and as such is not labelled it will not be accepted.
16. Customers must make site staff aware of any materials that may be considered hazardous. HWRC staff will then direct customers to the appropriate location for disposal.
17. It should be noted that items with the following symbol abbreviations cannot be accepted: C or “Corrosive”/ E or “Explosive” / F+ or “Extremely Flammable” / F or “Highly Flammable” / O or “Oxidising”. Full descriptions of the symbol abbreviations present on packaging are available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/labelling-packaging/hazard-symbols-hazard-pictograms.htm.
18. Chemicals can only be accepted in the quantities associated with typical use within the home. Where a person is moving into a new home, the clearance of chemicals from garages and sheds is the responsibility of the previous owner.
19. Pharmaceuticals cannot be accepted on sites and should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Veterinary supplies also cannot be accepted and should be returned to a vets practice for safe disposal.
20. Ammunition, flares and fireworks cannot be accepted at HWRCs. Please contact the following for these wastes:
    
    1. Ammunition - Thames Valley Police
    2. Fireworks – Trading Standards, Oxfordshire County Council
    3. Flares – Coastguard
21. Fire extinguishers can be accepted at HWRCs; however, the following points must be noted:
    
    1. All empty extinguishers must have their handles taped together.
    2. Full/part-full extinguishers must have a safety pin in place.
    3. CO2 extinguishers require a blanking cap if a swivel horn is not attached.
    4. Extensively corroded extinguishers will not be accepted.
22. A ban on liquids entering landfill came into effect in 2007 as part of the Landfill Directive. Liquid waste is also not permitted at the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), therefore HWRCs cannot accept the disposal of tins of liquid paint in the non-recyclable waste container. The following rules must be adhered to depending on the type of paint tins presented:
23. Any empty and dry metal paint tins can be placed in the scrap metal container.
    
    1. Any empty and dry plastic paint tins can be placed in the non-recycling container.
    2. All water-based liquid paint must be made solid before visiting the HWRC. Any solidified tins of water-based paint can then be disposed of in the non-recycling container.
    3. All solvent based liquid paint must be placed in the hazardous waste cabinets at the HWRC and is treated like other solvent waste.
24. Customers must “solidify” tins of water-based paint using by leaving the lid off, adding sand, soil, sawdust, or paint hardener to the excess paint to ensure that it is not in liquid form before arriving at the HWRC. Customers attempting to dispose of tins of liquid paint will be refused permission by HWRC staff with appropriate guidance for their next visit.
25. As paint is a difficult waste stream to dispose of, customers are advised to seek to minimise waste paint where possible. This includes minimising the quantities left over (by following guidance on amounts needed or coverage when purchasing) and seeking to facilitate re-use of any leftover paint in the community before disposal (for example by donating to a school, community group, or paint re-use project).
26. Further clarification can be sought by contacting the council on 01865 519800 or by using the online enquiry form at: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/contact-council/contact-us.

Gas bottles

27. Standard gas bottles (e.g. 15kg Calor gas bottles) remain the property of the provider and should be returned to a local supplier.
28. Standard gas bottles can be accepted at the HWRCs for re-use. Customers must make site staff aware of any gas bottles they bring to a site. HWRC staff will then direct customers to the appropriate location for disposal.
29. Gas bottles of any type (including helium, CO2, and LPG) cannot be accepted in the non-recyclable waste containers at the HWRCs. Contents of the non-recyclable waste containers are taken to an ERF which cannot process gas bottles.
30. Helium canisters can be accepted in the metal skip ONLY IF the seal has been broken and the content discharged.
31. No other gas bottles of any type can be accepted in any of the recycling containers at the sites including the metal containers.

Tyres

32. Tyres are not defined as household waste and therefore the council are under no legal obligation to accept this material at the HWRCs.
33. Tyres can be accepted by the HWRC management contractors at the HWRCs, and a reasonable charge will be made for this waste see below.
34. The council’s HWRCs cannot accept any commercial, agricultural, or industrial type tyres. In addition, the HWRC management contractors may apply a restriction on the size of tyre that may be accepted.
35. Tyres from a bicycle or pram/ pushchair will be accepted free of charge.

Appendix 3: Price list (all prices are inclusive of VAT and are correct as of 14th January 2026)

Non-Oxfordshire HWRC access charge 

Asbestos

Tyres

DIY waste items

The council charges £2.40 per 20-litre bag or equivalent over your free allowance. The dimensions of a 20-litre bag are 530 mm x 465 mm x 155 mm. Part bags are charged as full bags (for example 1.5 bags = £4.80).

Bathroom

Bedroom items

Flooring

Hardcore and rubble

Kitchen

Plasterboard

Not accepted at all sites (please see Appendix 2: Waste types and specific waste rules for a list of sites)

Roofing Materials

Wood

Miscellaneous