DIY Waste FAQ’s

Can I bring in more than the DIY waste allowance?

• Yes but any DIY waste over the free allowance will require a permit. Please click on the link to apply Request for a waste permit (blackpool.gov.uk)

Does the free DIY waste allowance include asbestos?

• No, residents must still dispose of asbestos via our hazardous waste process. For more information please visit Waste restrictions at the HWRC.

Can I bring in large amount of DIY waste for free in fewer visits?

• No, staff need to be able to apply the free disposal allowance correctly to all residents.

Waste accepted

We accept the below waste from domestic properties in Blackpool only.

• Plasterboard – permit required
• Rubble – permit required
• Soil – permit required
• Mattresses
• Garden waste
• Paper and cardboard
• PVCu
• Plastics
• General waste
• Wood
• Scrap metal
• TV’s and monitors
• Large domestic appliances e.g. washing machines and dryers
• Small domestic appliances e.g. toasters, microwaves, hairdryers etc.
• Domestic fridges and freezers
• Engine oil
• Vegetable oil
• Tetra pack
• Clothing
• Car Batteries – from your own private use vehicle
• Household batteries
• Printer cartridges
• Gas cylinders – size limits apply
• Asbestos – limits apply
• Glass
• Domestic Seating
• Florescent tubes
• Carpets
• Paint

Waste not accepted

• Commercial waste
• Car parts and tyres
• Fire extinguishers
• Gas bottles over 15kg
• Oxygen, air, scuba, and brewery cylinders
• Petrol, diesel, and paraffin
• Unknown chemicals
• Solvents
• Sharps / syringes etc.
• Clinical waste

Site Restrictions

• No sign written vehicles will be allowed on site
• No box vans or Luton style vans are permitted on site
• No flat-bed or tipper vehicles are permitted on site
• Vans and trailers are not permitted during weekends
• Open to Blackpool residents only. Please bring proof of address with you to ensure you are not turned away. If you pay your Council Tax to Fylde or Wyre, please use the HWRC site on either Saltcotes Road, Lytham – FY8 4LS or the HWRC site on Jameson Road, Fleetwood – FY7 8TW
• Commercial waste is not allowed. Businesses have a duty of care and must have a registered waste carrier disposing of their waste at a registered waste disposal facility
• Vans, pickups, and cars towing trailers must purchase a permit and other vehicles will not be allowed on site. Please check the permit scheme list before visiting
• Some materials are subject to a permit for disposal: see what we do and don’t accept below
• Vans, pickups, and cars towing trailers must attend the site no later than 30 minutes before the site closes
• Vans, pickups, and cars towing trailers are not permitted at weekends.
• Vans and pickups will not be permitted with a trailer

Waste restrictions

Hardcore and rubble

Some building materials from the repair or improvement of a house are classified as construction waste and anybody wishing to dispose of this waste must purchase a permit.

You will be limited to 75 kg per month, and we recommend that you read our permit schemes before visiting the site.

Gas bottles

We will accept standard liquid petroleum type gas bottles commonly used in a domestic property and the largest accepted bottles are 15 kg. Balloon gas bottles are also accepted. Gas bottles will need to be handled by site staff to ensure safe disposal. We will be unable to accept any other type of gas bottle.

Oxygen, air, SCUBA and brewery cylinders

Oxygen, air, SCUBA and brewery cylinders are not classed as household waste and will not be accepted. Please contact your manufacturer or supplier for disposal.

Asbestos

Householders are encouraged to dispose of all types of asbestos through a licensed contractor. However, small quantities of cement bonded asbestos from your own household maintenance can be accepted providing you follow the step-by-step guide:

Read the Managing Asbestos guide.

• Visit the HWRC office with a council tax or utility bill during opening hours
• You will be issued up to 3 bags and given a receipt letter
• Place the asbestos sheets carefully inside the red bag and tape it completely shut
• Then place the secured red bag into the clear bag and tape it completely shut
• Bring the sealed bags back during opening hours
• You must notify a member of staff on site once you arrive with your asbestos
• You must provide your receipt letter to deposit the asbestos
• Bags must be securely sealed with no rips or holes
• If the asbestos is not securely sealed, you will not be permitted to deposit the asbestos

Fire extinguishers

We only accept extinguishers if the manufacturer will not take them back.

Please attempt to contact the manufacturer before bringing fire extinguishers to the HWRC. Only extinguishers from a household source will be accepted.

Motor vehicle parts and tyres

We do not accept any motor vehicle parts or tyres as these are not included on our Environmental Permit. We recommend that you contact a local car salvage yard for the disposal of these materials.

Petrol, diesel, and paraffin

Petrol, diesel, and paraffin are classed as hazardous waste and are not accepted.

The HWRC management and staff reserve the right to refuse any waste material brought onto the site if it falls outside of permitted wastes or is not deemed as household waste.

Private waste contractors and Permit schemes

Private waste contractors

If you choose to use a private waste collector to remove any rubbish, you have a legal duty to check that the person or business is a registered waste carrier. You must only give your waste to a registered waste carrier, and you must get a written receipt which contains their details and the details of the waste they have removed. 

If you do not check, you could be fined if your rubbish is found to be illegally dumped.  

To check whether a person or business is a registered waste carrier, find further information about vehicle registration online.

Permit schemes

Hired van permits are available for the use of hired or borrowed vans. Restrictions apply. 

A permit is also required to deposit hardcore, rubble, soil, or plasterboard. 

Annual permits allow you one visit per month for 12 months and will be subject to an administration charge of £13.50. 

You should apply for your permit at least 5 working days before your planned visit. 

View the full terms and conditions for permits.

Find out more and apply for a permit!