The tip

Residents need to book a time slot to visit the tip, using Click and Tip online booking.

Weekly food waste collections begin from 1 February. Collection days will also change for most homes in Reading. Find out more about changes to waste services.

Covid-19

To ensure a safe operation and social distancing, both sites will operate on a limited capacity and residents will have to book a time slot to use the sites.

Please only make a booking if you are no longer able to safely store your waste at home, or if it cannot be disposed of safely by council collections.

Booking a slot at the tip

  • Due to high demand, please only make one booking a week.
  • Bookings are available on a rolling 7 days basis. You can reschedule or cancel your appointment up to 3h prior your visit to let someone else rebook your slot
  • Please ensure your email address is typed correctly as this is how you will receive a confirmation
  • Check your spam folder if no email arrives (you should also get a reminder before your visit)
  • Please be aware we are experiencing a high volume of calls, please read the FAQ’s before trying to call.
Book a slot at the tip

re3

re3 is a waste management partnership between three councils – Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest.

The re3 recycling centres (the tips) at Smallmead in Reading and Longshot Lane in Bracknell are available for all residents to take items to be recycled, from batteries to bicycles, and mattresses to microwaves.

The re3 recycling centre (the tip) can recycle, reuse, compost or repurpose almost any item of household waste. Check what you can take to the recycling centre.

Visiting the tip

Visiting the tip is by appointment only.

Reading facility

Smallmead Recycling Centre
Island Road
Reading
RG2 0RP

Opening Times (booking required)
Open 7 days a week
08:00 – 18:00 (1 October – 31 March)
08:00 – 20:00 (1 April – 30 September)

Please note: Site closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Bracknell facility

Longshot Lane Recycling Centre
Longshot Lane
Bracknell
RG12 1RL

Opening Times (booking required)
Open 7 days a week
08:00 – 18:00 (1 October – 31 March)
08:00 – 20:00 (1 April – 30 September)

Please note: Site closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Only people paying their council tax to Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham can dispose of household waste and recycling at the Longshot Lane and Smallmead Recycling Centres.

As of February 2020, re3 residents’ permits (orange stickers) are no longer acceptable as valid proof of address.

On your visit please bring  one of the following documents:

  • Driving licence
  • Current Council Tax bill
  • Utility bill*
  • Bank or credit card statement*
  • Photocard bus pass issued by a re3 council
  • Valid blue badge or residents parking permit issued by a re3 council

*Credit card bills, bank statements and utility bills should be no more than 4 months old. Photocard bus passes, valid blue badges or resident parking permits are also acceptable if issued by Bracknell Forest, Reading or Wokingham Council.

For full details please see the re3 Waste Acceptance Policy.

Commercial and commercial-type vehicle permits

Commercial or commercial-type vehicles must have a permit for every visit to the tip. These are free. Permits are sent by email only. You must have a valid email address to receive a permit.

Apply for a commercial or commercial-type vehicle waste permit

More information, including a list of the vehicles included in the scheme, is available in the re3 Waste Acceptance Policy.

Charges for some non-household waste

The following items incur a charge when brought to an re3 recycling centre:

  • Soil, hardcore and rubble
  • Plasterboard
  • Asbestos
  • Gas bottles

We check all vehicles for chargeable waste on arrival. See the charges for non-household waste here. 

re3 area residents can still dispose of all other household waste free of charge at the recycling centres.

You can also buy re3grow compost from the recycling centre.

Find more information visit re3.org.uk

re3 trade waste trial

re3 is inviting small local businesses to take part in a trade waste disposal and recycling trial at the re3 recycling centres. As of November, any pre-approved businesses will be able to take full advantage of the convenient local facilities to dispose of their commercial waste and maximise recycling.

The new trade waste service is available to micro-sized businesses operating in the re3 area of Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils who produce small amounts of waste of a similar nature to householders.

The key benefits of new scheme will include:

  • Access to the re3 sites in Reading and Bracknell, Monday – Saturday, at the standard opening times
  • A convenient payment structure based on estimated weights and charges per bag
  • The opportunity to recycle as much of your business waste as possible locally and at affordable rates
  • Fulfilment of Duty of Care and waste carrier licence responsibilities to ensure small business waste is managed compliantly

Find out more, and complete our online application form.