Waste disposal charges

Small amounts of DIY waste are accepted free of charge at our household waste recycling centres following a government change to legislation. This came into effect from 8 January 2024.

Free disposal of DIY waste will be limited to 4 visits per month per household with either:

  • 2 x 50 litre bags maximum

or

  • 1 large item up to a maximum size of 2m by 0.75m (200cm by 75cm)

If you generate more waste than this from DIY work undertaken in your home you need to make other arrangements, such as hiring a skip or using a licenced waste disposal service.

The Leeds Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme (LAWCS) helps you find local, legal and responsible waste carriers. All LAWCS members have been accredited by Leeds City Council and sign up to a code of practice to provide you with reassurance these are waste carriers you can trust.

The list of LAWCS members can be viewed on the Leeds Directory website. Using an accredited Leeds waste carrier can help you fulfil your duty of care.

Alternatively, you can use either the Kirkstall or Seacroft Waste Transfer Station where you will be charged for the disposal of your additional inert waste.

Our household waste recycling centres can only be used for household waste, they cannot be used for the disposal of trade or business waste. This includes waste from property developers, landlords or waste generated by tradespersons (for example, builders, plasterers, landscapers, gardeners, plumbers, joiners, glaziers, electricians and decorators) working in your property.

If you bring trade or business waste to a household waste recycling centre, you could be fined or prosecuted. This includes landlords bringing waste from rented properties.

Types of DIY waste

Rubble, hardcore and soil:

  • slates and roof tiles
  • sand, gravel, pebbles and stones
  • soil and clay
  • cement, mortar and rendering
  • concrete
  • breeze blocks and bricks
  • paving slabs

Tarmac and asphalt are not accepted at our household waste recycling centres.

Plasterboard and gypsum related products:

  • plasterboard sheets
  • ceiling roses
  • bags of plaster
  • coving

Ceramics:

  • sanitary ware (ceramic toilet, cistern, bidet, sink, shower tray)
  • ceramic wall/floor tiles
  • drains and sewer pipe
  • plant containers

Tyres:

  • car tyres (4 maximum)
  • motorcycle tyres (4 maximum)

Forklift tyres, caterpillar tracks, earth moving tyres, or any form of industrial tyre are not accepted at our household waste recycling centres.

Asbestos

Asbestos can only be taken to our Kirkstall waste transfer station. All deliveries must be pre-booked 48 hours in advance. See the asbestos disposal guidance for householders for more information.

Permits

Depending on your vehicle type you may require a permit. To find out more about the permit scheme and to apply, see the waste permit scheme page.