FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been created to aid users when visiting the Household Recycling Centres (HRCs)
Can I bring my waste in a van or trailer?
Yes - small trailers (up to 6'x4') can be booked using the online car booking system. Larger trailers (subject to site safety) and vans need to be booked via the van booking system.
What will happen when I visit a site?
Each site has its own set of guidelines. Signs will be displayed explaining what these are. On site, there will be Recycling Assistants/Operatives who will advise you when to enter the site and guide you. Please pay attention to container labels and only put your waste in the correct container. Please do not use containers that have a barrier to the gantry.
I need someone to help unload my vehicle. What do I do?
Operatives will be on hand to help with heavier items provided it is safe for them to do so. Please consider breaking up bulkier waste, where safe to do so, at home into more manageable pieces in order to aid the visit to the recycling centre. Please also note, that Birmingham City Council has a bulky waste collection service at the kerbside that may be more practical for you.
Which sites are open, and what can I take there?
The following Birmingham HRCs are now open:
- Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, B30 3JJ
- Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB
- James Road, Tyseley, B11 2BA
- Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich, B35 7AG
We are able to recycle/re-use the following items:
Green garden waste, Cardboard, Paper, Glass, Metal, Wood and wood-based products (MDF, chipboard etc), Engine Oil, Car Batteries, Fridges & Freezers, Textiles, Shoes, TVs & CRT Monitors, Fluorescent tubes, Gas bottles, Soil, Hardcore & Rubble, Cooking Oil, Hard Plastics, Mattresses, Carpets.
How long will it take to complete my visit?
This will depend on if the waste and recycling brought to the HRC have been separated at home prior to the visit or not. The visit will take longer if the waste hasn't been pre-sorted.
Will you accept waste from my business?
Birmingham’s household recycling centres cannot legally accept business or trade waste. You are advised to check with a local registered waste carrier or licensed disposal site.
I've booked my slot but didn't receive a confirmation via email. Where is my confirmation?
Make sure to have checked junk/spam folders too as it may have ended up in there. If the confirmation isn't in there, the email provided may be inactive or have been misspelt. Another reason may be because the booking request wasn't fully completed to the end - the form will provide all the details you've entered and ask if they are correct (at this point, it is possible to go back and make amends) before you click the 'submit' button to confirm the booking.
Who can make a booking?
Only Birmingham City residents (who pay their council tax to Birmingham City Council) can make a booking. Proof of address (digital or hard copy) will be required when visiting the HRCs.
What if I don't have internet access to make a booking to visit the HRCs?
If you don't have access to the internet, you may ask someone else to make the online booking on your behalf.
There isn't a slot available at my usual HRC, what can I do?
All Birmingham residents have access to the city's network of HRCs and aren't restricted to visit just one to them. If a slot isn't available at your usual site, you have the option of picking another site to visit.
How do I cancel my household recycling centre booking?
If you can no longer make your appointment, a cancellation can be made by clicking the link in the confirmation email you were sent after making the booking. Don't forget to check junk and spam folders if you can't find the email in your inbox.
How often can I make a booking?
Residents can make two bookings at a time, this could be on the same day or the same week (subject to availability). Until those two bookings have taken place, a further booking cannot be made.
Example
- You have made a booking for 2pm today (Wednesday) and a second booking for 9am tomorrow (Thursday).
- You will not be able to make a further booking until the Thursday booking has cleared the system (this is usually the following day).
- Once the booking has cleared the system, an additional booking can be made that same week from Friday onwards (subject to availability).
- It may be that a booking is made on Friday to attend on the same day (subject to availability), which would be permissible.