Visiting the household waste and recycling centres

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If you have household waste that can’t be collected with your rubbish or recycling, you can take it to one of 14 household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) across Cornwall. The sites do not accept commercial waste.

For safety reasons, no public pedestrian access is allowed through the entrance or exit gates at any of our HWRCs.

Charges

There is a free allowance limit on some types of waste like asbestos, plasterboard, soil, rubble and tyres. Follow the link below for further details.

Charges at household waste and recycling centres

Vehicle Permit

If you have a vehicle designed to carry goods, or a large trailer, you need a vehicle permit to use the HWRC.

Reuse Shops

Reuse shops have opened at Truro, St Austell, Falmouth and United Mines HWRCs, opening between 9am and 4pm seven days a week.

People can donate pre-loved items for the shops at all of Cornwall’s HWRCs. Donated items will be sold at the reuse shops or given to charity organisations.

Donate

We work with a number of charitable organisations, who collect reusable furniture and household items from our HWRCs. If you have items that could be considered for reuse, please speak to site staff when you visit.

Busy Times

The HWRCs are busiest between 11-12pm and 2-3pm, especially at the weekends. The HWRCs are quietest during the first hour of opening 9-10am and the last hour before closing 3-4pm.

If you can, plan your visit to avoid peak times. During busy periods, especially at weekends, please expect delays.

Book a slot

You now need to book a slot to visit 7 of our HWRCs: Bodmin, Bude, Launceston, Newquay, Saltash, St Austell and St Erth.

You can book for the same day, if there are spaces available, or up to a week in advance. Once you’ve booked your slot, you’ll receive an email confirming your booking.

Book a HWRC slot