Tip and recycling centre

Opening times

Nuffield HWRC is open:

• 7 days a week
• 9am to 5pm, from 1 April until 30 September
• 9am to 4pm, from 1 October until 31 March

Nuffield is closed:

• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
• New Year's Day

You'll need to arrive at least 15 minutes before we close to give you enough time to unload your recycling and waste.

Visiting the site

You can use the Nuffield HWRC if you live in Poole, Bournemouth or Christchurch. Some Dorset residents can also use the site, please check ahead of visiting.

You will need to bring one of the following as proof of residence:

• driving licence
• recent utility bill
• Council Tax bill

When you get to the site you will see 2 entrances, the one on the right is for cars and has a height restriction of 2 metres. The one on the left has a barrier and an intercom, and is used for vans and pick-ups with permits.

Download a copy of the site map for more detail.

The site has a one-way traffic flow with a separate entrance and exit.

Children under 16 years of age should remain in the vehicle for their own safety.

Pets must be kept in vehicles.

Smoking is not allowed on the site.

If you live in Poole you can also use Millhams Community Recycling Centre in Bournemouth and the Christchurch Household Recycling Centre at Wilverley Road. Please check individual web pages for restrictions before travelling.

Vans, trailers and large vehicles

If you live in Poole or Bournemouth and you’re visiting in a van, pick-up or commercial vehicle you will need a valid permit. This permit can be used to access Millhams Community Recycling Centre and Nuffield HWRC. 

If you live in Christchurch, you cannot currently use your van permit at Nuffield HWRC. Christchurch residents need to apply for a permit from Dorset County Council which can only be used at Wilverley Road, Christchurch or other Dorset Council sites.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are not permitted on the site.

Trailers with trailer beds larger than 1.8 metres x 1.2 metres (6ft x 4ft) are not allowed to enter the site.

If you have hired a van which is less than 3.5 tonnes from a hire company for a period of 3 days or less, you can access the site to dispose of your household waste providing you have a copy of the hire agreement and proof of Poole or Bournemouth residency.

What we do not charge for

The following materials are recycled, composted, reused or recovered for free:

• textiles
• cardboard
• wood
• garden waste
• furniture (reusable quality)
• metal
• bric-a-brac
• car batteries
• portable household batteries
• electrical equipment (TVs, monitors, small electricals and electronics)
• fluorescent lamps/tubes
• white goods - fridges, freezers, washing machines etc
• chemicals

Waste we charge for

We charge for some items/materials to be disposed of.

More information can be found on our chargeable waste page.

Waste from charities

Charities are not permitted to use the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). However, charities can apply for a permit (restrictions apply) to access the Waste Transfer Station (next to the HWRC) via the commercial weighbridge. Charities must have a retail presence in Poole and can only deposit household waste donated from residents within the Borough of Poole.

To apply for a charity permit, please call 01202 261709.

Traders and businesses

Traders and businesses are allowed to legally dispose of trade waste by using the weighbridge at the commercial waste entrance of the site and paying the appropriate charge.