Recycling centres

What can I recycle

Not sure if you can recycle an item, or don't know what to do with it? Use WasteAware's A to Z checking tool to find out.

Use the A to Z recycling tool

Donate your items

It is always better to give your items to someone else to use rather than recycling or disposing of them. You can give away or sell items on platforms such as eBay, Freegle, Freecycle, Gumtree or other online marketplaces. 

If you have good-quality items to donate, such as furniture, local charity shops are happy to accept these. Many charities, such as British Heart Foundation, DEBRA or Emmaus, offer a free collection service.

Dacorum Zero Waste Map

We've created a map of places in Dacorum that can help you reduce, reuse, and recycle. This includes recycling centres and drop-off points, zero waste shops, second-hand shops, community fridges, repair cafes, reusable nappy libraries and more. You can also find refill stations for water bottles, dry foods and cleaning supplies using the Refill app.

We regularly update the map and welcome suggestions of new locations. Email us at recycle@dacorum.gov.uk.

To view the symbol key, click the icon on the black bar in the top left hand corner.

Recycling Centres

Hertfordshire County Council provides Recycling Centres for household waste.

You can use these Recycling Centres if you pay Council Tax in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex or Central Bedfordshire.

Remember to bring proof of address, such as a driving licence, Council Tax bill or a utility bill.

For more on location, opening times and accepted materials, click on the links below:

• Berkhamsted Recycling Centre
• Hemel Hempstead Recycling Centre
• Harpenden Recycling Centre
• St Albans Recycling Centre
• Waterdale (Garston) Recycling Centre

Please note: Business waste is not accepted. There are also limits on DIY/home improvement waste. If you are using a van to bring household waste to a recycling centre you will need a van permit. 

Neighbourhood recycling sites

There are 23 neighbourhood recycling sites across the borough, where you can recycle various materials. Find your closest collection banks and see what they accept:

There are five small domestic appliance (SDA) collection banks in the borough for unwanted electricals.

Most neighbourhood recycling sites collect clothes and other textiles. You can also recycle dry, mixed items that typically go in the blue-lidded bin.

A wider variety of materials can be taken to the Recycling Centres (see above).

Please ensure all recyclables go into the designated containers. Leaving items outside the containers is fly-tipping, and you could receive a fine.

Other recycling locations

Many retail outlets offer recycling points for specific items, such as batteries, carrier bags, and water filters. Use the Recycle Now Local Recycling tool to find collection points near you.

Some supermarkets also provide soft plastic recycling points for items such as plastic bags, salad bags, sweet wrappers, and crisp packets.

You can recycle electrical equipment, including vapes, at various shops across Dacorum. Find locations on the Recycle Your Electricals website.

For more recycling options, check out our Dacorum Zero Waste Map (see above).