Bristol tips: open days, booking and rules
Here's how Bristol's three recycling centres work and what they take, checked against Bristol City Council and Bristol Waste Company pages on 29 October 2026.
- Three tips: Avonmouth (BS11 0YS), St Philips (BS2 0QS) and Hartcliffe Way (BS3 5RN)
- Each opens five days a week. Weekdays 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm
- You must book a slot, and only Bristol residents can use the tips
- Bring photo ID and proof of a Bristol address
- Vans, pick-ups and trailers over 1.52m need a permit
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Bristol's tips
| Tip | Postcode | Open days | Over 2.4m high? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avonmouth | BS11 0YS | Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | No |
| St Philips | BS2 0QS | Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | No |
| Hartcliffe Way | BS3 5RN | Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Yes |
Days and hours
Each site is open on five days, not seven, so check the day before you plan a trip. The hours are the same at all three: weekdays 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm. Closed on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January. From 24 to 31 December the hours are 8am to 4pm. The reuse shops on site open 9.30am to 3.30pm, according to the Bristol Waste Company.
Who can use them
The council says only Bristol residents can use its recycling centres. You must bring photo ID and proof of residence. Children under 16 should stay in the vehicle. The council says Avonmouth and St Philips are on one level with full wheelchair access.
Booking
You have to book a slot before you go. You can book up to two weeks ahead, or up to one hour before you arrive if slots are free. See the tip booking guide for the steps and the phone number.
Vans and permits
A van, a pick-up or a trailer over 1.52 metres (5 feet) needs a permit from the council. A car does not. The permit covers 12 visits in 12 months, for household waste only. Vehicles over 2.4m high can only use Hartcliffe Way. See the van permit guide.
What they take
| Item | Rule on the council page |
|---|---|
| Mattresses, household furniture, carpets | Accepted, no limit given |
| Fridges and freezers | Domestic only, maximum 2 in any 28 days |
| Tyres | Maximum 4, and more than that may be refused |
| Paint | Listed as accepted |
| Soil and rubble | About 100 litres free, then £3 per bag or item |
| Plasterboard | Clean: £5 per sheet or bag. With other materials attached: £9 |
| Bonded asbestos | Up to 1 sheet or one 25kg bag a week, £11, double wrapped |
| Gas bottles | Up to 13kg in total per visit |
The full details of DIY waste charges are in rubble and building waste in Bristol. The council page does not list any differences between the three sites.
Trade waste
The council says it is illegal to bring business, trade or construction waste to the recycling centres, and that a permit does not change this. Business waste has to go to a commercial waste transfer station.
No tip trip? A licensed company can collect: rubbish removal, single items, builders' waste or house clearance.
Tip not an option?
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