East Grinstead HWRC: Opening Times, Booking, Waste Rules & Charges
Plan your East Grinstead household waste recycling-centre visit before loading the car. Check seasonal opening hours, Tuesday and Wednesday closures, mandatory vehicle booking, residency evidence, vehicle-size restrictions, accepted waste, DIY limits and the current tyre charge.
Do you need to book East Grinstead recycling centre?
Yes, every visit made in a vehicle needs a timed booking. You can book on the same day when space is available or reserve a slot up to 14 days ahead.
Visitors arriving on foot, by bicycle or on a mobility scooter can use the centre without booking, but must still follow site instructions and residency rules.
Summer, winter and weekly closing days
The centre opens on Monday and Thursday to Sunday. It remains closed every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the year.
| Day | 1 April–30 September | 1 October–31 March | Visit advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9am–6pm | 9am–4pm | Book first and arrive within the confirmed slot. |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed | Use another booked West Sussex centre if necessary. |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed | Do not leave waste outside the gates. |
| Thursday | 9am–6pm | 9am–4pm | Same-day slots depend on availability. |
| Friday | 9am–6pm | 9am–4pm | Check traffic around Imberhorne Lane. |
| Saturday | 9am–6pm | 9am–4pm | Weekend demand can be higher; book early. |
| Sunday | 9am–6pm | 9am–4pm | Sort the load before travelling. |
Christmas closures: West Sussex recycling centres close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Check the live centre page for any additional temporary notice.
Can I use East Grinstead HWRC with this vehicle and waste?
Choose your residency, vehicle and main waste type. The tool identifies booking, access or alternative-site issues before you travel.
Check my planned visit
Result: Select all three options.
Entrance checklist
How the East Grinstead booking system works
Select East Grinstead and an available time
Slots can be booked on the same day when available or up to 14 days in advance.
Open the official booking systemEnter the vehicle registration accurately
The registration cannot be changed after the booking. A wrong registration requires cancellation and rebooking.
Read booking instructionsUse the visitor’s name and address
You also need an email address. The booking must be made in the name of the person attending.
Check accepted residency evidenceArrive inside the confirmed slot
You can arrive at any point within the stated 15-minute or 30-minute appointment window.
Open driving directionsCancel unused appointments
Use the link in the confirmation email so the slot becomes available to another household.
Call booking support on 01243 642106Monthly allowance: households can make up to five booked recycling-centre visits per calendar month.
Who can use East Grinstead Recycling Centre?
West Sussex council taxpayers can use the centre with accepted proof of address. A special agreement also permits residents from specific nearby Surrey postcode sectors.
| Resident type | Access | Required evidence | Extra restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Sussex resident | Allowed | One accepted proof of West Sussex address. | Vehicle must comply with site rules. |
| Eligible Surrey resident | Allowed | Accepted proof showing an eligible postcode. | No van, pickup or trailer. |
| Other non-West Sussex resident | Normally refused | Not applicable. | Use the recycling-centre service provided by your own council. |
| Holiday-home or caravan owner | Allowed where Council Tax is paid to West Sussex | Proof of West Sussex Council Tax liability. | Household waste only. |
Eligible Surrey postcode sectors
RH7 6, RH10 3, RH19 2, RH19 3, TN8 5, TN8 6 and TN8 7.
Preferred proof
A current driving licence is the preferred option because it provides both address and photographic identification.
Other accepted evidence
Current-year Council Tax bill, recent utility bill, TV licence, HMRC or Home Office letter, bus pass or disabled parking permit.
No accepted ID
Staff can refuse access. Leaving waste outside the site can lead to prosecution for fly-tipping.
Vans, trailers, height limits and non-vehicle visits
| Vehicle or access type | East Grinstead rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car | Allowed with booking. | Book using the exact registration. |
| Small van below limits | May be accepted for West Sussex household waste. | Check height, weight and site-specific restrictions before booking. |
| Luton-type van | Not permitted. | Use a centre that accepts the vehicle or another lawful disposal route. |
| Horsebox | Not permitted. | Do not book East Grinstead with this vehicle. |
| Twin-axle trailer | Not permitted. | Use an allowed vehicle or check another centre. |
| Tipper, flatbed or drop-side truck | Not permitted. | Arrange a suitable lawful waste service. |
| Over 3.5 tonnes | Not permitted. | Do not attempt to enter the site. |
| Over 2.2 metres high | Not permitted. | Check vehicle height before booking. |
| On foot, bicycle or mobility scooter | Allowed without booking. | Bring proof of residency and follow staff directions. |
Hire vehicle: enter the hired vehicle registration when booking and bring the hire paperwork to the centre.
What you can normally take to East Grinstead HWRC
The centre accepts a broad range of domestic recycling, electrical items, bulky waste, garden material and limited household hazardous waste.
Dry household recycling
Paper, cardboard, cans, metal, glass, cartons, books, textiles, shoes, CDs, DVDs and many reusable household items.
Garden and wood waste
Grass, branches, plants, untreated or painted wood, pallets, chipboard and MDF from a household.
Electrical and battery waste
Fridges, freezers, televisions, monitors, computers, small electrical appliances, household batteries, car batteries, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
Furniture and bulky items
Furniture, mattresses, carpets, cushions, duvets, bicycles, tools, hard plastics and household metal items.
| Waste type | Accepted? | Preparation | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household paint | Yes | Keep it in the original container and declare flammable paint. | Reuse depends on condition and container capacity. |
| Engine oil | Yes | Transport in a sealed container. | Domestic household oil only. |
| Gas bottles | Yes | Tell staff on arrival. | Up to 15kg bottle size. |
| Household chemicals | Many types | Keep separate and clearly labelled. | Usually up to 25 litres per chemical category. |
| Tyres | Yes | Use the tyre area. | Household-use tyres only; £6 charge applies. |
| General household waste | Yes | Remove recyclable materials first. | No trade or commercial waste. |
Items East Grinstead cannot accept
Plasterboard and gypsum
East Grinstead cannot accept plasterboard. Use a West Sussex recycling centre listed as accepting plasterboard or arrange lawful private disposal.
Asbestos
No asbestos is accepted at East Grinstead. Up to 200kg of correctly wrapped cement-bonded asbestos can only go to Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley or Worthing.
Clinical waste and sharps
Clinical waste is not accepted at recycling centres. Arrange the correct clinical-waste service and return medicines to a pharmacy.
Fireworks, flares and Japanese knotweed
These must not go to the centre. Follow the specialist official disposal route for each material.
Commercial waste: waste produced through a business, paid clearance, landlord activity or commercial job is not household waste and can lead to refusal or enforcement action.
Free household disposal and the current tyre fee
There is no normal entrance charge for an eligible household visit. Charges apply to household tyres, while commercial disposal requires a separate paid service.
| Waste or visit | Current charge | Payment or rule |
|---|---|---|
| Normal household recycling | Free | Booking and proof of residency required for vehicle visits. |
| Household bulky waste | Free at the centre | Waste must be produced by the attending household. |
| Car, van or motorcycle tyre | £6 per tyre or part tyre | Visa or Mastercard only; no cash or cheque. |
| Bicycle tyre | Free | Place it in the tyre area. |
| DIY construction material | No current charge within the household limit | Maximum 200kg; East Grinstead excludes plasterboard. |
| Commercial or trade waste | Not accepted | Use a licensed commercial-waste service. |
Tyre charge calculator
Estimate: One chargeable tyre costs £6.
Payment checklist
- Payment card accepted: Visa or Mastercard.
- No cash or cheque for tyre charges.
- Bicycle tyres are free.
- Commercial-type LGV tyres are not accepted.
- Private tyre businesses should use a commercial route.
East Grinstead household DIY allowance
West Sussex accepts a limited amount of DIY building, construction and demolition waste generated by the resident’s own household project.
Maximum household quantity
Up to 200kg per visit, broadly equal to a small car-boot load, small domestic trailer load or around eight 25kg rubble bags.
Examples
Rubble, bricks, tiles, ceramics, cement, soil and similar small-project construction materials.
No plasterboard
East Grinstead is one of the West Sussex sites that cannot accept plasterboard, plaster or gypsum-based waste.
Paid contractor waste
Waste created or transported by a builder, gardener or paid clearance company is commercial waste and cannot be deposited here.
Large renovation: hire a licensed skip, Hippo-style bag or commercial waste collector instead of making repeated household-centre visits.
High Grove, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead RH19 1TZ
Before setting off
Address: High Grove, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 1TZ
Site phone: 01342 323967
- Timed booking required for vehicles.
- Maximum vehicle height: 2.2 metres.
- Designated disabled parking bays.
- Drop kerbs and wider hatched access areas.
- Pedestrian, bicycle and mobility-scooter access available.
Avoid the most common East Grinstead visit problems
Tuesday or Wednesday journey
The site is closed on both days. Booking availability will not override the published weekly closure.
Wrong vehicle registration
Cancel and rebook. Staff cannot simply edit the registration on an existing appointment.
Imberhorne Lane traffic
Leave enough travel time to arrive within the slot, particularly during school, commuting and weekend peak periods.
Surrey border households
Check the complete postcode sector and bring accepted address evidence. Surrey visitors cannot arrive in a van, pickup or trailer.
Heavy DIY bags
Do not exceed a safe lifting weight. Staff may advise but are not required to unload heavy or hazardous material.
Reusable paint
Good-condition paint may be donated through the site reuse system when container space is available.
Furniture still usable
Donate or sell it before disposal. Items cannot be removed from the recycling centre by unauthorised visitors.
Missed appointment
Arriving after the slot has ended can mean refusal. Rebook instead of expecting entry without a valid time.
How the household recycling-centre booking system works
Plan the slot before travelling
This booking-system video explains the purpose of timed recycling-centre visits and why residents should reserve before setting off.
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East Grinstead and West Sussex recycling links
Information checked: 26 June 2026. Opening hours, temporary closures, booking availability, accepted materials and fees can change. Confirm the official centre page and A–Z immediately before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
What are East Grinstead recycling centre opening times?
From 1 April to 30 September, East Grinstead opens 9am–6pm on Monday and Thursday to Sunday. From 1 October to 31 March, it opens 9am–4pm on the same days.
Is East Grinstead recycling centre open on Tuesday or Wednesday?
No. The centre is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout both the summer and winter opening periods.
Do I need to book East Grinstead recycling centre?
Yes, every visit made in a vehicle needs a timed booking. Visitors arriving on foot, by bicycle or on a mobility scooter do not need to book.
How far in advance can I book an East Grinstead HWRC slot?
You can book up to 14 days in advance. Same-day appointments can also be made when an available slot remains.
How much does East Grinstead recycling centre cost?
Normal eligible household visits are free. Car, van and motorcycle tyres cost £6 per tyre or part tyre, while bicycle tyres are free.
Can Surrey residents use East Grinstead recycling centre?
Residents in RH7 6, RH10 3, RH19 2, RH19 3, TN8 5, TN8 6 and TN8 7 can use the centre with accepted proof of address. They cannot use a van, pickup or trailer.
Can I take plasterboard to East Grinstead HWRC?
No. East Grinstead does not accept plasterboard, plaster or gypsum-based waste. Check the West Sussex A–Z for a centre that accepts it.
Can I take asbestos to East Grinstead recycling centre?
No. Correctly wrapped cement-bonded asbestos up to 200kg is accepted only at Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley and Worthing recycling centres.
Which vehicles are banned from East Grinstead HWRC?
Luton-type vans, horseboxes, twin-axle trailers, tippers, flatbeds, drop-side trucks, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and vehicles over 2.2 metres high are not permitted.
What proof of residency should I take?
Accepted evidence includes a current driving licence, current-year Council Tax bill, recent utility bill, TV licence, qualifying government letter, current bus pass or disabled parking permit.