Bexley Recycling Centres, Bulky Waste and Garden Waste: Rules for Bexleyheath Residents

Bexleyheath does not have a recycling centre of its own. Residents use one of the two reuse and recycling centres run by the London Borough of Bexley, or book a collection. Figures and hours below are as published by the council, and they can change, so confirm on the council's recycling centre page before you load the car.

Where are the recycling centres?

The council lists two centres:

- Foots Cray Reuse and Recycling Centre, Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, DA14 5HS. Open 7:30am to 4pm, closed on Wednesdays, and closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. You can arrive by vehicle or on foot.
- Thames Road Reuse and Recycling Centre, Thames Road, Crayford, DA1 5QJ. Open 7:30am to 4pm daily, closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Vehicles only.

Crayford has its own sister guide site, crayford.co, if you want more on the area around Thames Road.

Do I need to book?

No. The council says residents do not need to pre-book at either centre, although waiting times may apply at busy periods.

What proof of address do I need?

You must show a valid driving licence or a Council Tax bill as proof of address. The council says people from outside the borough are not permitted to use the centres. On entry the council records your address, vehicle registration, vehicle type and the categories of waste you are bringing.

What are the rules for vans and trailers?

The council treats vans differently from cars. It defines a van as any vehicle with side panels instead of rear windows, or with the rear seats permanently removed. Vans are not accepted at the recycling centres. Instead they must use the Thames Road Transfer Station, where the council says household waste carries a reduced annual allowance of 250 kg, reduced from 500 kg. Cars with a trailer are allowed if the trailer is up to 1 metre. Twin-axle trailers are not allowed at the centres and must use the Transfer Station. Read the council's page for the full wording before you set out with a van or a trailer.

What can't I take?

The council lists chemicals and oil-based paints or varnishes as banned items at the centres. For other items, use the council's A to Z of recycling to see where they should go.

How does a bulky waste collection work?

For furniture, large electrical appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers, and DIY waste, you can book and pay for a collection online through the council's bulky collection page. As published, standard collections start from £50 and Saturday collections are £67.50, with the final price depending on the number and size of items. The council says pensioners receive discounted rates, getting more items for the same price. Key points from the page:

- collections happen any time after 6am on the day you choose
- items must be left neatly and safely in the agreed location, not on the public highway
- you can cancel up to one working day before, but bookings cannot be changed, so you cancel and rebook
- not collected: pianos, large amounts of rubble, garden waste, hazardous or clinical waste, commercial waste, textiles and large quantities of black sacks from house or garden clearances

The council also points to free drop-off at the recycling centres and to donating reusable items to charities.

How does the garden waste subscription work?

Garden waste is a paid subscription. As published, it costs £87 a year, or £82 a year if you pay by Direct Debit, with extra bins at £67 each (up to four extra). Collection is every two weeks, with a four-week break over Christmas and New Year, giving 25 collections a year. The council says your subscription starts 14 days after you sign up, with the bin delivered within 10 days. You can sign up at waste.bexley.gov.uk or by calling 020 8303 7777.

It takes hedge and grass cuttings, weeds, plants and flowers, dead leaves and twigs, fallen fruit, and real Christmas trees cut into pieces with no decorations. It does not take food waste, bagged material, pet waste, soil, stones, or logs or branches longer than 6cm. Full details are on the council's garden waste page.

What about the rubbish that goes in my normal bins?

Everyday collections are covered in our bin collection guide.