Ellon Recycling Centre (Tip) Opening Times, Booking & Rules 2026
Unlike some facilities, Ellon Recycling Centre allows standard cars to drop off waste without a prior appointment, making spontaneous trips easy for most households. Just keep in mind that the site shuts briefly for a half-hour lunch each day and strictly prohibits walk-in access for safety reasons.
No slots available? Or don't have a car?
Book a private van here for same-day removal.
Keep your car clean from tip waste
Perfect for garden & DIY waste
Residency Check & ID Required
Residents Allowed From:
- Aberdeenshire
Important Site Rules
- Safety Rule: Pedestrians are not allowed on the premises because foot traffic cannot be safely separated from moving vehicles.
- Daily Closure: The entire facility shuts its gates between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM every day so the staff can take their lunch break.
- Vehicle Restrictions: If you plan to tow a trailer or drive a commercial-style vehicle, you must arrange a booking online before setting off.
- Charity Donations: You can hand over reusable mattresses, bikes, and small electronics to be passed on to a local community charity.
- Staff Protection: Abusive language or behaviour towards the team is strictly forbidden and can result in you being permanently banned from using the site.
🔍 Quick Item Check
✅Accepted Items
- 🛢️Engine and cooking oils
- 🛏️Reusable bicycles, mattresses, and clean furniture featuring intact fire-retardant labels
- 🔌Small electricals that still possess their original CE safety marks and plugs
- ♻️Everyday household recyclables sorted into standard categories
- ♻️Residents can also pick up fresh food waste caddies and battery bags from the site
⛔Not Accepted
- Tyres of any kind
- Any form of asbestos
- Business, commercial, or trade waste
- Liquid paint (leftover paint must be completely dried and solid before drop-off)
- General liquid waste (with the exception of cooking and engine oils)
🕒 Opening Hours
Year-Round Hours
Bank Holidays
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pre-book my visit to Ellon Recycling Centre?
If you are driving a normal household car, you can just turn up without booking. However, if you are bringing a trailer or driving a van, you must secure a slot online beforehand.
Are you allowed to walk in with waste?
No, walking into the site is banned because there are no safe pedestrian walkways to keep you separated from the traffic.
Can I get rid of old paint here?
You can only dispose of paint if it is completely hardened. Liquid paint is strictly rejected at this site.
Do they take items for charity reuse?
Yes, you can drop off items in good condition, such as bikes, mattresses, and small electricals, which are then passed on to a local charity.
Is the site open all day?
The recycling centre is open for most of the day, but it completely closes between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM for lunch, and it shuts slightly earlier at 4:00 PM on Fridays.
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