Hempsted Household Recycling Centre Reopening Updates & DIY Waste Rules
Big Changes and Major Upgrades at Hempsted Household Recycling Centre
The latest news is that the Hempsted Household Recycling Centre (HRC) will reopen by the end of November—and it is undergoing a major transformation!
While Hempsted has been undergoing refurbishment, many of you have been using our nearest alternative Gloucestershire sites at Oak Quarry in Coleford and Wingmoor Farm at Bishop's Cleeve. Visitors to Oak Quarry may have noticed recent upgrades, including hard plastic recycling alongside their well-established re-use shop.
When Hempsted reopens, you will see a dramatically improved facility designed to make recycling faster and more efficient and rule Changes for DIY waste limits
What’s New at Hempsted?
The ongoing site transformation includes major infrastructure upgrades:
Six new waste compactors & nine dedicated containers: Helping manage residual waste, garden waste, and cardboard far more efficiently.
A brand-new re-use shop to give pre-loved items a second life.
Site resurfacing, wall repairs, and structural upgrades.
Eco-friendly additions: Including electric vehicle charging points and solar panels.
Upcoming Rule Changes: DIY Waste Limits
Starting next year, Gloucestershire County Council will be introducing new guidelines for residents disposing of DIY waste across all HRCs.
Key Updates to Know Before You Visit:
Free Visit Allowance: Residents can make up to 4 visits within any 4-week period for free DIY waste disposal.
Generous Volume: The allowance covers roughly four large bootloads of material—equivalent to what you’d produce during a standard kitchen or bathroom refurbishment.
Larger Projects: You can still dispose of DIY waste beyond the 4-visit limit, but a small fee will apply to additional loads.
Why the Change?
Stopping Commercial Abuse: The HRCs are strictly for household use. Some small commercial builders have been using the free system rather than commercial disposal sites, which require a fee.
Managing Council Costs: Waste disposal incurs significant costs for the County Council at a time when government funding for rural councils has decreased. These rules align Gloucestershire with government guidance already followed by many other local authorities.
Monitoring Fly-Tipping
We know some residents are concerned that limits might lead to increased fly-tipping. Accredited research shows that restrictions like these have minimal impact on illegal dumping, but the Council will be actively monitoring the situation across the county.