Community recycling centres

Household waste disposal

Important notice for householders

Commencing on the 21 October 2024 we are changing the way we accept upholstered seating at Community Recycling Centres. Please see here for more details about what these items are and how it affects you.

Where you can recycle

There are 7 community recycling centres for waste that's been produced from domestic properties.

If you’re using a trailer, large vehicle, you'll need to book a slot.  

We also have recycling points in communities for the recycling of glass and textiles.

Waste that can be disposed of

The types of items you can dispose of are:

  • aerosols
  • bikes
  • books, cds, dvds etc
  • bric-a-brac
  • batteries (car and domestic)
  • Fire extinguishers - only accept 4kg and under
  • fluorescent tubes and lightbulbs
  • food tins & drinks cans
  • furniture
  • fridges and freezers
  • garden tools
  • garden waste
  • gas cylinders/bottles
  • glass bottles and jars
  • hardcore and rubble (not Selkirk)
  • household cooking oil - 23.01.24 – Please note that cooking oil is temporarily not being accepted
  • household waste
  • large electrical appliances
  • paper, newspapers, magazines and cardboard
  • plastic packaging
  • scrap metal
  • small electrical appliances
  • textiles and clothes
  • TVs and monitors
  • upholstered domestic seating
  • used engine oil
  • wood and timber

Disposing of garden waste

Garden waste must be disposed of loosely in the skip to prevent contamination.  If you're using plastic bags to transport the garden waste you can dispose of them separately.

Compost

Sustainably produced and peat free compost can now be ordered from Caledonian Horticulture and then picked up from a number of our community recycling centres. Information can be found online

Could your item be reused?

We have set up reuse cabins/areas at several of our recycling centres, which allows you to donate unwanted household items to bring them back into use. 

Waste we don't accept

  • asbestos
  • flares and pyrotechnics
  • hazardous chemicals inc weedkillers
  • tyres

Trade waste disposal

Find information about disposal of trade waste at our community recycling centres, or our waste transfer stations.

Please note that from 15th July 2024, upholstered seating can not be disposed at Community Recycling Centres by traders. For more information please visit our guidance page

Further guidance

  • waste should be presented in easily managed amounts that can be deposited quickly on arrival at site
  • recycling centres may need to temporarily close at short notice in order for skips to be emptied
  • we can provide assistance to you so long as you remain at least 1m away from our member of staff
  • if staff feel it is safe to do so they can assist you with large items you may be struggling with, eg a sofa, as long as the 1m safe distance can be maintained between you, and you are both wearing face masks
  • If you are visiting Eshiels Community Recycling Centre, please do not queue beyond our ‘no queuing’ signage at the top of the entrance road
  • we thank all residents for their patience and cooperation and would ask anyone using our recycling centres to please treat our staff with respect
  • failure to comply with the temporary restrictions and social distancing guidance will result in recycling centres having to close again

Waste and recycling

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800