Where to take your waste and recycling

Here you will find details of where you can take your waste and recycling. You can check opening times for household waste recovery centres (tips), and apply for a waste permit.

You can now dispose of limited DIY waste for free at our Northumberland Household Waste Recovery Centres. Just pre-book your permit, and 'Pay as You Throw' for any extra.

 

 

Do I need a DIY Waste permit? 

If your items do not appear in the list below, then it is not classed as DIY Waste and you don't need to apply for a DIY Waste permit:

Ceramic pipes / sink / pedestal / toilet / bidet / shower screen / window panes / bricks / breeze blocks / concrete and paving slabs / gravel / stone / sand / rubble / hard core / tarmac / plasterboard / tiles / slates /  soil*

*soil must go in the Garden Waste container.

 

DIY Waste Permit scheme

Previously, all DIY Waste was charged as per our Pay As You Throw charges.

This new permit allows residents free disposal of DIY waste up to 100 litres – that's about:

  • two typical 50 litre builders rubble sacks, or;
  • approximately 2 builders tubs or;
  • 6 builders buckets, or;
  • one item no larger than 2000mm x 750mm x 700mm

Need to dispose of more DIY waste than your permit covers? No problem. Our 'Pay as You Throw' charges apply for anything beyond your free limit.

 

How many permits can I have?

Four DIY Waste permits can be applied for per household in any four week period.

The reason we ask you to book a permit is so we can make sure we are able to handle the extra DIY waste that this may generate.
 

How do I get a permit?

You can request a permit below by entering a few simple details:

Get your DIY waste permit here

Or, you can call our customer contact centre, on 0345 600 6400.Learn more in our DIY Waste Charges leaflet below. ​These changes have been made in line with the new Controlled Waste Regulations 2023.
 

There is no exchange or refund option available for HWRC (tip) permit applications. This is regardless of circumstance. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Customers will have to go back online and book another slot, which will be taken off their annual allowance of 52 permits. 

DIY Waste 2024 changes leaflet

Pay as you throw charges

Any DIY waste delivered in excess of the limits listed above will be considered Pay As You Throw items and chargeable as they are now.

  • Bag*/Sheet**/ Equivalent £2.75
A fully loaded vehicle of loose material will be charged a maximum as follows:
  • Standard car / hatchback £16.50
  • Trailer less than 5 ft £27.50
  • Estate/ Small van/ 4x4/Pickup £27.50
  • Trailer longer than 5ft £55 plus £11 per and less than 9ft 10in foot over 5ft to a max £110 for 9ft - 9ft 10 trailer
  • Transit van £110

Information for businesses

The HWRC service is not open to traders who should use a skip or private waste disposal sites. A permit system is in place for vans and trailers which wish to attend our HWRCs. Learn about the permit scheme by clicking here
Any one household is allowed a maximum of 12 permits per year. Permits must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. If you are taking DIY waste, you will need a separate permit to dispose of this. The same booking system can be used.

Apply for a permit

The permit scheme is available for application online only through our new online booking system. You can no longer apply for a permit via the phone.
 
Apply for a permit and book your slot at the tip here.
 
Please note: 

There is no exchange or refund option available for HWRC (tip) permit applications should you be unable to attend as per your booking, regardless of circumstance.
Customers will have to go back online and book another slot, which will be taken off their annual allowance. 
 

Availability

To manage demand and increased offloading times, you will need to book a time and date slot before visiting the tip. The online booking form below will show you available slots.
 
You MUST book 48 hours in advance of your visit, so please plan your journey ahead of time.
 

Who requires a permit? 

Vans, trailers, single-cab pickup trucks and 4 x 4s require a permit to attend our HWRCs. Click here to see exact specifications.
 
Private use domestic cars, including people carriers, twin cab pick-ups, SUV’s and campervans with windows and seats in the rear do not require a permit and do not require a booking via the online form. 

Number of permits

  • Although you are allocated 12 permits per annum, for accuracy only 1 permit can be applied for at a time. 
  • A maximum of 3 permits can be applied for per 7 days. 
  • Only household waste is permitted. Commercial or trade waste of any sort cannot be taken to the HWRC. 
  • If the permit is not used, you are refused entry, or you fail to attend your chosen time slot, please note the permit cannot be reallocated to your yearly or 7-day allowance. 
  • Your annual allocation of 12 permits will be reset on your permit birthday.
 
Using the online form 
Apply for a permit and book your slot at the tip here.

 
You will need to provide: 
  • Your address and the address from which the household waste is coming from 
  • Answers to questions about your vehicle size and weight 
  • Your vehicle registration number, make and model 
  • An email address for confirmation of your booking 
  • The site, day and time you want to visit 
  • Contact information (name and email address) 
  • What waste you are bringing to the site 
 

Visting the tip with a new permit 

Booking confirmation required
You will need to provide evidence of your booking and proof of ID – driving licence preferable - when you arrive. Vehicles that require a permit will be turned away if they cannot provide evidence of their booking information. 
 
Permits can only be received via email. The booking form will ask you to provide your email address, and confirmation of your booking will be sent to you via email. If you have smartphone, you can display the email at the site instead of printing the email. 

Misuse of permit scheme
Fraudulent use of the permit system will result in residents being barred from using the service.  For example, misuse of address or vehicle information and attempted use of the HWRC to deposit trade waste. 
 
Respect our staff 
Waste staff have the right to refuse entry into a site, and their decision is final. No abuse toward staff and crew will be tolerated. Action will be taken in instances of inappropriate or abusive behaviour toward staff.  
 
HWRC closures in the event of poor weather
In the rare event of our HWRCs being closed due adverse weather conditions, any missed appointments will be granted a grace period. Customers will have 7 days from the permit date to reattend the site with their waste without having to make another appointment. After 7 days the permit will no longer be valid and you will have to reapply.

Does your vehicle require a permit?

 

Vehicle/User Category No permit required Permit required No access to HWRC permitted
Private use domestic car, including people carriers, twin cab pick-ups, SUV’s and campervans with windows and seats in the rear. X    
Adapted disability vehicle (with blue badge)  X    
Trailer / Horse Box 5ft (1.52m) or shorter  X    
Vehicles up to 3.5 GVW except for box vans   X  
Trailer / Horse Box more than 5ft but no longer than 9ft 10 (3m) long   X  
Single cab pick-up truck or 4 x 4 with no rear seats and no rear windows or with removable or canvas canopy    X  
Trailer / Horse Box more than 9ft 10 (3M)     X
Vehicle more than 4 wheels (incl. double wheel base)     X
Any GVW Flatbed / Tipper truck / Box van     X
Any Vehicle > 3.5 Tonnes GVW     X
Tractor or other agricultural vehicle      X


Where are the trailer measurements taken from?
The measurement is from the front to the back of the trailer box, not including the hitch.

There are 12 HWRCs across the county where you can take your household waste. Waste recovery centres are more commonly known as ‘tips’.

Quick links:


What can you take to a HWRC (tip)

  • bagged general household waste
  • garden waste
  • cardboard
  • glass bottles
  • TVs
  • small electrical appliances
  • wood
  • carpets
  • bulky items of household waste such as old furniture.
  • mattresses
  • scrap metal
  • beverage and drinks cartons e.g. Tetra Paks
  • comingled materials e.g. paper, card, plastic bottles, aluminium & steel cans
  • fluorescent tubes
  • batteries - household and vehicle.
  • DIY waste, such as soil, rubble and plasterboard (disposal fees apply - credit card payments only)
  • All white goods
  • Compost sales have now resumed, where applicable (credit card payments only)
  • used engine oil and gas cylinders
  • Vape tubes
These site rules apply to all residents whenever they are visiting any of our HWRC’s

Opening times

  Please note, from 16 May 2023 Morpeth and Prudhoe (West Wylam) HWRCs will be closed every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Normal opening hours will operate every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
 

HWRC Site Opening Hours
Alnwick
Bebside
Berwick
Hexham
North Seaton
1 April to 31 October:
Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7:30pm

1 November to 31 March:
Monday to Sunday: 8am to 6pm
Allendale
Haltwhistle
Kirkley West Thorn
North Sunderland
Wooler
Prudhoe (West Wylam)
Morpeth
1 April to 31 October:
Friday to Monday: 8am to 7:30pm

1 November to 31 March
Friday to Monday: 8am to 6pm
(Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

PLEASE NOTE:
  • All our HWRCs (tips) are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 
  • Some tips may close early or open late due to adverse weather conditions. Please check our council alerts page for more updates.
  • Periodically, the tips will be temporarily closed for container exchange. Your patience is appreciated during these times.

Before travelling to a HWRC (tip)

Before travelling to HWRC (tip), you should think about the following:
 
  • Making use of retailer take-back services or making your old items available for immediate re-use via on-line platforms. Make sure you follow social distancing and related guidance and that it is safe for you to move the items in question.
  • Checking the Reuse Network website to see if there are options available for small businesses or charities in your area to mend or repurpose your furniture and appliances. This may also be a good opportunity to repair, repurpose or re-use items such as old furniture or clothes yourself which you would usually throw away.
  • Alternatively, you could use a private registered waste collection company, although there will be a cost if you do this. Remember, you have a duty to make sure you know where your waste is going and to ensure that the person collecting your waste is registered. You can do this by checking the Environment Agency’s website.
 

Tip locations

 We live in Northumberland but our postcode is Cumbria - will we still be able to visit Northumberland tips?

 
HWRC operatives have been provided with a list of postcodes relevant to Northumberland residents, so a Cumbria postcode whilst paying Council tax to Northumberland County Council will allow you access to the HWRC facilities.

Address: Silburn Road, NE47 9LG. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

 
Address: Plot B, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick, NE66 2HT. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400


There is no access for pedestrians at this site.
Address: Front Street, Bebside, Northumberland, NE24 4HN. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

 
Address: Ramparts Business Park, Berwick, TD15 1UN. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

There is no access for pedestrians at this site.

Address: Town Foot, Haltwhistle, NE49 0ET. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

There is no access for pedestrians at this site.
 

Address: French Garden Industrial Estate, Hexham, NE46 4DL. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

There is no access for pedestrians at this site.
Address: near Ponteland - please turn off the A696 at the Catch Seafood restaurant, where signposted to the household waste recovery centre. Please use postcode NE20 0DH for locating by sat nav. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

There is no access for pedestrians at this site.
Address: Morpeth, NE61 3AB. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

There is no access for pedestrians at this site.
Address: North Seaton Industrial Estate, Ashington, NE63 0YB. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

 
Address: near Seahouses, NE68 7UP. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400 

There is no access for pedestrians at this site.
Address: Broomhouse Road, West Wylam, NE42 5ED. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400

 

Address: Brewery Lane, NE71 6QG. Please click here for a location map.

Phone: 0345 600 6400 

 

Our sites can accept:

  • bagged general household waste
  • garden waste
  • wood
  • bulky items of household waste such as old furniture
  • cardboard
  • glass bottles
  • TVs
  • small electrical appliances (e.g. hair dryers, vacuum cleaners)
  • carpets
  • mattresses
  • scrap metal
  • beverage and drinks cartons e.g. Tetra Paks
  • comingled materials e.g. paper, card, plastic bottles, aluminium & steel cans
  • fluorescent tubes
  • batteries - household and vehicle
  • construction waste, such as soil, rubble and plasterboard (disposal fees apply - credit card payments only)
  • tyres (maximum 5 per year per resident)
  • compost sales have now resumed, where applicable (credit card payments only).
  • all white goods (provided they can be carried by one person)
  • used engine oil and gas cylinders
 
A helpful guide on what goes in the rigid plastic container
 
Recycling points are small collection points where you can recycle things like glass bottles, jars, shoes, and clothes. There are more than 170 locations across Northumberland.

Please click here to find your local recycling point.

Wansbeck Square recycling point has been temporarily moved to Park Road car park, Ashington, NE63 8AF due to construction work on the new rail line.

Click here to locate your nearest charity clothes bank

Report a problem at a local recycling point:

  • By calling us on 0345 600 6400

Information about local textile banks

There is some temporary disruption to bring sites for textiles while the banks are renewed, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. If there is not a bank at the usual location, please keep hold of your textiles for the time being or take to your nearest HWRC. Please do not leave your textiles on the ground.

Northumberland County Council wants our residents’ visits to the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) to be a positive experience. In order to achieve this, we ask you to follow a few simple guidelines as laid down in our Customer Charter.

General  
We would ask residents to bring their household waste to the HWRCs in loads they can comfortably manage to carry themselves. At some HWRCs this may involve negotiating steps to access the relevant container.  

Wherever possible, residents should bring someone with them if they need help with bulky or heavier items. The operators at the HWRCs will assist members of the public with their waste on request or if they have a disability, however, they cannot be held responsible for any damage to residents’ vehicles when doing so and will not be able to assist with items that may put them at risk of personal injury.  

Northumberland County Council provides a chargeable bulky collection service for heavier household items of furniture.  

What you can expect from us:
  • Our HWRCs to be clean and tidy.  
  • Our HWRCs to be safe, hazard free and to comply with relevant health and safety standards.  
  • The operators at our HWRCs to take responsibility for their own safety and ensure they do not do anything to endanger the safety of others on site.  
  • The operators at our HWRCs to be polite, courteous, helpful and professional.  
  • The operators at the HWRCs to direct members of the public to the correct recycling containers with their waste.  
  • The operators at the HWRCs to manage any complaints in a professional and courteous manner. 

What we expect from you:
  • To treat site staff with respect. They are here to help you.  
  • To separate your waste into different categories before you arrive and recycle as much of your waste as possible in the appropriate containers.
  • To make a booking and obtain a permit before visiting the HWRC in a van or with a trailer.
  • To park in the designated marked parking areas and adhere to the speed limit and traffic signs.  
  • It is not permitted to park outside the site and carry waste in.  
  • All waste should be a size and weight that is manageable so that you can easily lift it into the containers.  
  • To take responsibility for your own safety and ensure that you do not do anything to endanger the safety of yourself or others on site.  Please follow any instructions given by the operators regarding health and safety.  
  • Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and wear safety or gardening gloves for your own safety.  
  • To walk in the marked walkways and use the pedestrian crossings, where available.  
  • Report to an operator if you have hazardous waste e.g., chemicals, asbestos etc, or chargeable waste (soil, rubble, hardcore, plasterboard and tyres).  
  • To keep children under the age of 16 and animals in your vehicle at all times.  
  • To be patient if the site is closed for container exchange (this is for your safety
  • To take care when depositing items into containers.  
  • To not lean over into the containers.  
  • Notify an operator immediately if you spill anything on site e.g., paint, oil etc.  
  • To take extra care in wet, icy, and snowy weather, particularly on the steps to the containers.  
  • To take responsibility for the safety of your personal items such as keys, handbags, and mobile phones.  
  • You cannot take items or materials that have been deposited at these sites by others.  
  • Please leave any comments on the feedback section provided on the Northumberland County Council website
  • To adhere to all other HWRC policies. Non compliances with site rules and policies may lead to enforcement action being taken against you.