Our Cambridge Recycling Centre Guide will help you find the best facility to you depending on your needs. When it comes to disposing of household waste responsibly in Cambridge, the city’s recycling centres are essential for ensuring materials are properly recycled or disposed of. Whether you’re clearing out your garden, getting rid of old appliances, or managing DIY debris, knowing where to take your waste can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll provide all the key details you need about the main recycling centres in Cambridge, including their locations, opening times, booking requirements, any associated fees, and what you can and cannot bring. Let’s ensure your next trip to the tip is smooth and efficient while keeping Cambridge green!
Recycling Centres in Cambridge
1. Milton Recycling Centre
- Address: Butt Lane, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6DQ
- Website: Milton Recycling Centre
- Contact: 0345 045 5207
- Opening Times:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Booking Required?: Yes, all visits must be pre-booked online.
- Charges:
- Some items, such as plasterboard, rubble, and tyres, incur a small fee for disposal. Check the website for specific costs.
2. Thriplow Recycling Centre
- Address: Gravel Pit Hill, Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, SG8 7HZ
- Website: Thriplow Recycling Centre
- Contact: 0345 045 5207
- Opening Times:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Booking Required?: Yes, all visits must be pre-booked online.
- Charges:
- Similar to Milton, there are charges for specific materials like rubble, plasterboard, and tyres.
3. Bluntisham Household Recycling Centre
- Address: Heath Road, Bluntisham, PE28 3LQ
- Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. - Website: Bluntisham Recycling Centre
- Contact: 0345 045 5207
- Booking Required?: No.
- Charges: Fees for DIY waste like tiles and plasterboard.
4. Alconbury Household Recycling Centre
- Address: Wood Walton Road, Alconbury, PE28 4LH
- Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. - Website: Alconbury Recycling Centre
- Contact: 0345 045 5207
- Booking Required?: No.
- Charges: Charges apply for certain non-household waste.
5. March Household Recycling Centre
- Address: Hundred Road, March, PE15 8QN
- Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. - Website: March Recycling Centre
- Contact: 0345 045 5207
- Booking Required?: No.
- Charges: Charges for DIY materials like soil and rubble.
What You Can Take to Cambridge Recycling Centres
Cambridge recycling centres accept a wide range of materials. Below is a general guide on what you can bring.
Accepted Items:
- General Household Waste: Bagged rubbish, non-recyclable waste.
- Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, flattened cardboard boxes.
- Plastics: Bottles, containers, and other rigid household plastics.
- Metals: Tin cans, scrap metal, small metal household items.
- Garden Waste: Grass clippings, branches, leaves.
- Wood: Broken furniture, timber, pallets.
- Glass: Bottles, jars, windows (some restrictions apply).
- Electrical Items: Kettles, toasters, small appliances.
- Large Appliances: Fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines.
- Car Batteries: Accepted for recycling.
- Fluorescent Tubes: Accepted in dedicated containers.
Non-Accepted Items:
- Tyres: Most centres will not accept car tyres. Check with the centre for specific details.
- Asbestos: Hazardous materials like asbestos are not accepted and require specialist disposal.
- Clinical Waste: Needles, syringes, and other medical waste are not accepted.
- Liquid Paint: Paint should be dried out with sand or sawdust before disposal in general waste.
- Commercial Waste: These centres are not designed to accept commercial or business-related waste.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need to book a slot in advance?
- Yes, all visits to Cambridge recycling centres require an online booking. This ensures safety, social distancing, and reduced wait times.
Are there any charges for disposing of certain items?
- Yes, there are charges for specific materials like:
- Plasterboard: £2.50 per bag/sheet.
- Rubble and Hardcore: £3.00 per bag.
- Tyres: £5.00 per tyre. These fees help cover the cost of processing non-household waste.
Is plasterboard accepted at Cambridge recycling centres?
- Yes, plasterboard is accepted but incurs a fee. It must be separated from other waste materials.
Can I take DIY waste to the recycling centre?
- Yes, DIY waste like bricks, rubble, tiles, and plasterboard is accepted, but it may be subject to quantity restrictions and fees.
Are gas canisters accepted?
- Yes, small camping gas canisters are accepted, provided they are empty. Contact the centre for specific guidance on larger gas cylinders.
Is asbestos accepted?
- No, asbestos is not accepted due to its hazardous nature. You must contact a licensed asbestos disposal service for safe removal.
Can I bring car batteries?
- Yes, car batteries are accepted for recycling at Cambridge recycling centres.
What about electrical items?
- Yes, electrical items including small household appliances, TVs, and other electronics are accepted.
Are paint cans accepted?
- No, liquid paint is not accepted. You must solidify it (e.g., by mixing with sawdust or cat litter) before disposal.
Tips for a Successful Visit
- Book Online: Always book a slot online before you visit to avoid disappointment.
- Separate Your Waste: Organise your waste into different categories (e.g., recyclables, garden waste, general waste) before you arrive. This will save you time at the centre.
- Bring Proof of Residency: Be prepared to show proof of address, such as a utility bill or driver’s licence, to demonstrate you live in Cambridgeshire.
- Follow Quantity Restrictions: Some waste types, like rubble or soil, have limits. Check the centre’s guidelines to avoid fees or refusal.
Cambridge recycling centres are a fantastic resource for residents, making it easy to responsibly dispose of a wide variety of household and garden waste while supporting recycling efforts. Always check the centre’s rules before visiting, and remember to book your slot in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient visit.
For more detailed information or specific queries, refer to the websites provided for each recycling centre or call the contact numbers for assistance.
Need more help?
You can get an instant quote and book in with our Cambridge Recycling Team, online 24/7.
We will collect your waste from anywhere inside or outside the property. Meaning you don’t need to lift a finger. And if your waste is accessible then you don’t even need to be there.
Contact our Cambridge Rubbish Removal Team to book now and we will be with you within 24 to 48 hours.
