We are temporarily unable to accept fridges and freezers at our household waste recycling centres due to a national shortage of specialist processing facilities. Our storage areas are now at full capacity and we cannot safely accept any further appliances. Significant work is being done locally and nationally to improve the current situation.
This does not affect retailer take-back schemes or specialist waste collection companies, which may have access to different collection and storage arrangements. If possible, please store unwanted appliances until normal service resumes.
Meanwood recycling centre
Our Meanwood recycling centre will be closed on 13 August 2026 to allow for urgent repairs. Please visit your nearest alternative recycling centre to dispose of your waste.
Meanwood household waste recycling centre
If you bring trade or business waste to a household waste recycling centre you could be fined or imprisoned. This includes landlords bringing waste from rented properties.
8am to 6pm - Summer, 30 March 2026 to 25 October 2026 8am to 4pm - Winter, 26 October 2026 to 28 March 2027 Last entry is 15 minutes before closing. Open seven days a week. We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
Access
Only residents who live within the Leeds City Council boundary area can use our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). We aim to provide an accessible service, and although the arrangements within the site may not provide suitable access for everyone, staff are available to assist if requested and if it is safe to do so. Our recycling centres are working sites with moving heavy goods vehicles. For safety reasons pedestrians cannot access the sites on foot.
Weekdays are less busy, expect queues at weekends and bank holidays.
Public safety on site
To make sure everyone stays safe on our site you should:
wear suitable footwear (not flip-flops, sandals or high heels) when visiting to help prevent accidents, slips, trips and falls
think about wearing gloves to protect your hands and long sleeved clothing to protect your arms from sharp edges
walls and railings at our sites are the minimum height required under health and safety regulations. Please make sure you can lift your waste and recycling over the walls, railings or container edges. You may wish to bring someone with you to help
sort waste and recycling before your visit to minimise time on site
please bring someone with you if you need help with lifting heavier items out of your vehicle
children under the age of 16 and pets must stay in the vehicle at all times. Individuals not depositing waste should also remain in the vehicle
be aware that in the interest of health and safety, some of our sites need to close for short periods throughout the day for container exchanges
observe site speed limits and one way systems
park in designated parking areas only and use marked paths, walkways and crossings
report any spillages, incidents or accidents to site staff immediately
adhere to signage on site and follow instructions from site staff
vehicles are parked at your own risk
Materials we accept
Aerosols
Books
Car batteries (diesel and petrol car batteries only, no electric vehicle (EV) batteries, contact your car manufacturer or dealer for advice)
Cardboard
Carpets
Electrical appliances
Energy saving bulbs
Engine oil (maximum of 5 litres)
Fluorescent tubes
Fridges and freezers
Furniture
Garden chemicals (maximum of 5 litres)
Garden waste
Glass
Hardcore*
Household batteries
Household/DIY chemicals (maximum of 5 litres)
Mattresses
Mobile phones
Paint
Paper
Plasterboard*
Rubble*
Scrap metal
Shoes
Soil*
Textiles
TVs and monitors
Tyres* (4 max)
Vegetable oil (maximum of 5 litres)
Walking aids (crutches, aluminium zimmer frames and walking sticks)
Gas cylinders and fire extinguishers are not accepted at our household waste recycling centres. These should be returned to the manufacturer or retailer.
Pet waste is not accepted at the recycling centres. Large quantities of pet waste can be disposed of for a fee at the Kirkstall waste transfer station.
Using a vehicle other than a car
If you have a commercial type vehicle, such as a van or a four wheel drive pick-up, or use a trailer to take your household waste to the recycling sites, you will need a separate commercial permit. See our Recycling site permits page for more information and to find out how to apply.
Asbestos
This site cannot accept asbestos. You can take asbestos waste by appointment only to Kirkstall household waste recycling centre.
