Linford Tip in Thurrock: Opening Hours, Rules, Vans and What You Can Take

Thurrock has one household waste and recycling centre, known locally as the Linford tip. It is run by Thurrock Council and serves residents from across the borough, including Grays, Tilbury, South Ockendon, Aveley, Purfleet and Stanford-le-Hope. Its pages are linked below, and it is worth checking them before a trip because rules about vehicles and quantities are strict.

Where is the Linford tip?

The council's Linford page gives the address as Buckingham Hill Road, Linford, SS17 0PP. The SS17 postcode puts it in the east of the borough, near Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham. The council says you must enter northbound on Buckingham Hill Road only.

What are the opening hours?

As published on the opening dates and times page, the site is open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm all year, and the entrance gates close 15 minutes before the site closes. The exceptions listed are:

• Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• New Year's Eve: open 8am to 12 noon.
• All other bank holidays: usual hours.

Do I need to book?

No. The council says you do not need to book in advance and can turn up in opening hours. You do need to bring proof of address, such as a recent council tax bill or utility bill. The service is free for Thurrock residents who show proof of address.

What are the van and trailer rules?

These catch people out, so read them before you load up. According to the council's Linford page:

• Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are not allowed. Restricted vehicle types include Ford Transit, Luton van, HGV, flatbed lorry, tipper van and minibus.
• Small vans, and vehicles with single-wheel axles under 1.8m, need a valid permit.
• Vehicles with trailers are only allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Permits for vans and trailers allow up to six visits a year.
• Hire vehicles are limited to twice a year per address.
• Trade waste is not accepted.

The council has a separate page for large-vehicle permits, linked from the Linford page.

What can I take?

The what you can and can't take page lists the accepted items. They include household and vehicle batteries, anything with a plug or battery, books, cardboard, clothes, furniture, glass, garden waste, metals, paper, plastic bottles, textiles and wood. General waste such as carpets, mattresses, polystyrene and vapes is accepted, as are bulky items like fridges, freezers, cookers, dishwashers, washing machines, TVs and computers. Accessibility aids such as walking sticks, crutches, commodes and raised toilet seats can also go.

Some items have limits:

• Cooking or engine oil: no more than 10 litres a year.
• Tyres: no more than five a year.
• Soil, rubble and hardcore: no more than three wheelbarrow loads in total.
• Ceramics and tiles: a single wheelbarrow load or three large items.

What is not accepted?

The council says it does not accept any form of trade waste, nor hazardous waste such as asbestos, fire extinguishers and hazardous chemicals. If you have lithium batteries, tell staff when you arrive so they can direct you to the right place.

Is there anything else on site?

The Linford page also mentions a re-use shop and says only one person is allowed on each walkway or set of steps at a time. Follow the staff's directions on the day.

What if it is not worth the trip?

For normal fortnightly waste, your bins are collected at home. See our Thurrock bin collection guide. Fly-tipped waste on public land can be reported to the council. See our report a problem guide.