Northampton Sixfields Waste Recycling Centre: Times, Booking & Rules
Plan a successful Sixfields Household Waste Recycling Centre visit. Check the seven-day opening hours, reserve the correct booking slot, understand e-permit and vehicle rules, calculate free DIY-trip limits, sort accepted waste and compare the paid trade, asbestos and reuse options before travelling.
Do you have to book Sixfields recycling centre?
Yes. Every normal household HWRC visit must be booked in advance. The booking must name Sixfields and cannot be transferred to another recycling centre.
You can reserve a slot up to two weeks ahead or, when space remains, up to 30 minutes before arrival.
Book your trip to the tip
This West Northamptonshire video explains the booking requirement introduced across the council’s household waste recycling centres.
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How to visit Sixfields HWRC without being refused
Booking the wrong site, arriving in an unregistered van or mixing trade waste into a household load can stop entry.
Confirm you live in West Northamptonshire
The free household booking service is for residents with a West Northants home address.
Read booking eligibilityCheck whether the vehicle needs an e-permit
Normal cars do not need one. Vans, pickups and vehicles towing trailers normally do.
Check e-permit vehicle typesBook Sixfields, not another HWRC
Enter the vehicle registration, vehicle type, colour, address and e-permit number where applicable.
Book the correct centreSort the load before leaving home
Separate reuse items, cardboard, garden waste, wood, metal, electricals, plasterboard, rubble and general rubbish.
Check accepted wasteArrive inside the booked time window
ANPR checks the registration. Arriving much earlier or later can prevent the barrier from opening.
Review slot and cancellation rulesNorthampton Sixfields recycling centre opening hours
Normal public HWRC hours are the same every day. Temporary weather or operational closures may still override the standard schedule.
| Day | Opening time | Closing time | Last booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
| Tuesday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
| Wednesday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
| Thursday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
| Friday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
| Saturday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
| Sunday | 10am | 4pm | 3:45pm car / 3:30pm e-permit vehicle |
Bank holidays
Sixfields normally remains open on bank holidays.
Christmas Eve
The centre closes early at 2pm.
Closed dates
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Temporary changes
Extreme weather or urgent site operations can delay or cancel booked visits.
Booking window, slot length, confirmation and cancellation
| Booking detail | Current rule | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| How early can I book? | Up to two weeks before the visit. | Book early for weekends and bank holidays. |
| How late can I book? | Up to 30 minutes before arrival, subject to availability. | Do not drive to the site before receiving a slot. |
| Car slot length | 15 minutes. | A 10am booking means arrival between 10am and 10:15am. |
| e-permit vehicle slot | 30 minutes. | Use this for vans, pickups, trailers and other permit vehicles. |
| Telephone booking | 0300 126 7000, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. | Say “HWRC bookings” or “Recycling Centre bookings”. |
| Confirmation | Email confirmation and a reminder the day before. | Keep the reference available even though it is not normally shown. |
| Cancellation | Cancel as early as possible, preferably at least 24 hours before. | Use the link in the confirmation email. |
| Wrong site | Bookings are site-specific and cannot be transferred. | Amend or cancel and make a correct Sixfields booking. |
ANPR entry: the vehicle registration on the booking must be correct. Use the entrance intercom if the barrier does not recognise a valid booking.
Can I still book my planned Sixfields visit?
Planned visit
Result: Add your planned visit.
Information needed to book
- Name and email address
- West Northamptonshire home address
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle type and colour
- Waste type
- e-permit number where required
Which vehicles need an e-permit?
| Vehicle | Permit? | Free visit allowance | Main restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | No | Household trips as required; DIY limits apply. | Must still have a booking. |
| Estate car or people carrier | No | Four free DIY trips per 60 days. | Book the correct vehicle type. |
| 4×4 without pickup bed | No | Four free DIY trips per 60 days. | Pickup-style 4x4s require a permit. |
| Car towing a trailer under 1.8m | Yes | Six visits per 12 months. | Trailer over 1.8m is not permitted. |
| Van, pickup or crew cab | Yes | Six visits per 12 months. | Maximum 3.5 tonnes gross laden weight. |
| Campervan or minibus with rear fittings removed | Yes | Six visits per 12 months. | Vehicle must remain within the size and weight rules. |
| Passenger campervan or minibus | No | Normal vehicle rules. | Rear seats and passenger fittings must remain installed. |
| Hired commercial vehicle | Yes | Visits deducted from the permit. | Take the hire agreement to the site. |
Permit facts: applying is free, qualifying permits can be used immediately, only one commercial-type vehicle permit is allowed per household, and each entry deducts a visit. A commercial vehicle towing a trailer counts as two visits.
Will my vehicle and waste be accepted at Sixfields?
Trip details
Result: Complete the details above.
Site safety checklist
Checklist selections are stored only in this browser.
What can you take to Sixfields recycling centre?
Sixfields accepts a broad range of household materials. Pre-sort everything so reusable and recyclable items do not enter general waste.
Not accepted at the normal Sixfields HWRC: asbestos, clinical waste, sharps, chemical or radioactive waste, petrol, tyres, weed killer, caravans, trailers and most complete motor-vehicle parts.
Can I take this item to Sixfields?
Select an item
Result: Select an item above.
Ask a member of staff when:
- The item contains several materials.
- The item is leaking or damaged.
- You have oil, paint, antifreeze or an aerosol.
- A battery cannot be removed.
- The correct container is unclear.
- An item may be reusable.
Rubble, plasterboard, soil, doors and renovation waste
DIY waste means waste from building, decorating or renovation work at the home where you normally live. Staff may ask you to sign a household declaration.
| Vehicle category | Free DIY trips | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Small car | Eight trips | Every 60 days |
| Large car, estate, MPV, people carrier or 4×4 | Four trips | Every 60 days |
| Van, pickup, permitted trailer or other e-permit vehicle | Six trips | Every 12 months |
Rubble and bricks
Book the waste as DIY waste and keep the load manageable for the permitted vehicle category.
Plasterboard
Remove bags and wrappers. Strip off tiles, bricks, wood, batting and fixings before arrival.
Painted plasterboard
Plasterboard with paint, wallpaper or foil backing can be accepted when otherwise clean.
Excess DIY waste
Loads beyond the free trip limits can be directed to the paid weighbridge service at Sixfields.
Contractor waste
If a builder or other paid worker created or removed it, the material is trade waste.
DIY trip allowance tracker
No estimate saved.
Examples classed as DIY waste
- Hardcore, rubble, bricks and paving slabs
- Tiles and ceramics
- Plasterboard and roofing materials
- Soil, turf and landscaping tree trunks
- Baths, toilets and basins
- Fitted carpets and underlay
- Doors, windows and frames
- Kitchen units and worktops
- Shed and fence panels
- Laminate flooring, timber and MDF
Free household visits and paid trade-waste prices
Normal household use is free for eligible West Northamptonshire residents with a booking. Sixfields also has a separate paid weighbridge service for small traders, non-residents and excessive DIY waste.
| Trade material | 0–80kg | 81–150kg | 151–250kg | 251–500kg | 501–750kg | 751–1000kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcore and rubble | £7 | £17 | £23 | £24 | £27 | £42 |
| Garden waste | £7 | £15 | £25 | £40 | £55 | £75 |
| Plasterboard | £19 | £34 | £51 | £99 | £143 | £189 |
| Wood and timber | £14 | £19 | £29 | £48 | £67 | £106 |
| Mixed paper and card | £5 | £13 | £17 | £18 | £32 | £37 |
| General waste | £28 | £45 | £65 | £121 | £168 | £207 |
| Upholstered seating | £65 | £103 | £147 | £273 | £380 | £467 |
£5-per-load trade materials: plastic bottles, mixed glass bottles and jars, food tins and drink cans, mixed textiles and clothing, and scrap metal.
Trade-price estimator
Estimate: Enter a material and weight.
Trade-service requirements
- Pre-sort the load before arriving.
- Maximum vehicle weight is 3.5 tonnes.
- Bring a valid Waste Carrier’s Licence or exemption where required.
- The loaded and empty vehicle are weighed.
- Payment is by chip-and-pin debit or credit card.
- Cash is not accepted.
Special materials that need extra preparation
Asbestos is not accepted at Sixfields
Small amounts of household bonded asbestos use the separate Brackmills transfer-station scheme, not the Sixfields HWRC.
Call before taking asbestos
Phone 01604 347660 to confirm capacity. Only one household trip is permitted.
Asbestos charges
Up to five qualifying sheets or nine metres of pipe or guttering costs £86.50. One asbestos water tank costs £70.18.
Plasterboard preparation
Remove bags, wood, tiles, bricks, fixings and insulation. Painted, wallpapered or foil-backed board can be accepted.
Fire extinguishers and gas bottles
Sixfields is one of the selected West Northants HWRCs accepting these domestic items. Ask staff on arrival.
Oil and antifreeze
Domestic used engine oil and antifreeze are accepted up to 25 litres before additional source checks apply.
| Not accepted | Next route |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | Brackmills Waste Transfer Station scheme or licensed contractor. |
| Medical sharps and clinical waste | Use the council clinical-waste or healthcare route. |
| Petrol | Contact a suitable local garage. |
| Tyres | Use a tyre retailer or private licensed company. |
| Weed killer | Follow packaging guidance or seek professional disposal advice. |
| Unknown chemicals | Seek specialist hazardous-waste advice. |
Donate or buy reusable items without booking an HWRC slot
The Cynthia Spencer reuse shop has a separate lane and parking area. A recycling-centre booking is not required when you are only visiting the shop.
Shop opening hours
Open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm.
No HWRC booking needed
Use the dedicated Reuse Lane if you are only donating or shopping.
Working electrical items
Electrical donations should be working and suitable for assessment.
Furniture fire labels
Sofas, chairs, mattresses and other upholstered items need appropriate fire-safety labels.
Address, Google Map and access information
Northampton – Sixfields HWRC
Address:
Walter Tull Way
Weedon Road
via Sixfields leisure roundabout
Northampton
NN5 5QL
- Normal hours: 10am–4pm daily
- Advance booking required
- Maximum vehicle weight: 3.5 tonnes
- Ramps provide access to waste containers
- ANPR, CCTV and staff body cameras operate
- No normal pedestrian access
Local traffic tip: use Walter Tull Way and the Sixfields leisure roundabout. Allow extra travel time when the surrounding retail, leisure or stadium roads are busy.
Make a faster Sixfields visit
Book the correct waste type
DIY waste can have different trip restrictions from normal household rubbish.
Load in disposal order
Place reusable goods and electricals where they can be removed before rubble or general waste.
Do not queue before 10am
Early queuing can obstruct gates and local roads and does not provide early entry.
Bring help for heavy items
Only take what you can unload safely unless assistance has been arranged through the booking form.
Separate upholstered seating
Sofas and padded chairs must not be placed in the ordinary general-waste container.
Keep batteries visible
Do not hide lithium batteries, vapes or battery-powered devices inside black bags.
Check the registration
A typing error can prevent the ANPR barrier from recognising the booking.
Cancel unused slots
Cancel at least 24 hours ahead where possible so another resident can use the booking.
Sixfields links for the final action
Information checked: 26 June 2026. Opening hours, temporary closures, booking availability, charges and waste acceptance can change. Check the official Sixfields page immediately before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
What are Sixfields recycling centre opening times?
Sixfields is normally open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. It closes at 2pm on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Do I need to book Sixfields recycling centre?
Yes. Every normal household visit must be booked in advance. Slots can be reserved up to two weeks ahead or up to 30 minutes before arrival when availability remains.
How long is a Sixfields booking slot?
A normal car slot is 15 minutes. Vehicles requiring an e-permit receive a 30-minute slot. The last normal car slot is 3:45pm and the last e-permit vehicle slot is 3:30pm.
Can I book Sixfields recycling centre by phone?
Yes. Call 0300 126 7000 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and say “HWRC bookings” or “Recycling Centre bookings”.
Do vans and trailers need an e-permit?
Yes. Vans, pickups, crew cabs and cars towing trailers under 1.8 metres normally require a free e-permit as well as a separate Sixfields booking.
How many DIY waste trips can I make?
Small cars can make eight free DIY trips per 60 days. Large cars and similar vehicles can make four per 60 days. Vehicles requiring an e-permit can make six trips per 12 months.
Is Sixfields recycling centre free?
Normal household use is free for eligible West Northamptonshire residents with a booking. Traders, non-residents and residents with excessive DIY waste can use the separate paid weighbridge service.
Can I take asbestos to Sixfields?
No. Household bonded asbestos must use the separate Brackmills Waste Transfer Station scheme after calling 01604 347660. Packaging, quantity and charge rules apply.
Can I take tyres or gas bottles to Sixfields?
Domestic gas bottles are accepted at Sixfields in the specialist area. Tyres are not accepted and should be taken to a suitable tyre retailer or licensed private company.
Do I need a booking for the Sixfields reuse shop?
No. The Cynthia Spencer reuse shop has a separate Reuse Lane and is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. No HWRC booking is needed when only donating or shopping.