The Oxford tip: Redbridge & Oxfordshire recycling centres in 2026
Oxford's household tip is Redbridge Household Waste Recycling Centre on Old Abingdon Road (OX1 4XG), open 8am–5pm daily. Since 14 January 2026 you must book every visit in advance. The site is also part-way through a temporary closure for essential works. Here's what to know before loading the car.
Last updated: July 2026
Booking is now compulsory
Oxfordshire County Council introduced a booking system for all seven of its recycling centres on 14 January 2026. You book a free slot online — up to two weeks ahead, or as little as 30 minutes before you set off, subject to availability. Turn up without a booking and you can be turned away. Slots are per-vehicle, and the booking page sits on the county council website (oxfordshire.gov.uk, search "book recycling centre visit").
Van and trailer permits
Cars need only a booking. Vans, pickups and larger trailers additionally need a free permit before visiting, which the council issues to prove the waste is household rather than trade. If you're borrowing a mate's Transit for a clearance run, sort the permit first or you won't get on site — and note that recycling centres don't accept business waste at all.
Redbridge's 2026 closure
Redbridge is closed for an anticipated three months of essential works beginning around May 2026 (Oxfordshire County Council). At the time of writing the works are under way, so Oxford residents are being pointed at Drayton (near Abingdon) and Ardley as the nearest alternatives — check the county council site for the current reopening date before travelling, as engineering schedules move.
All seven Oxfordshire recycling centres
| Site | Nearest to |
|---|---|
| Redbridge (Old Abingdon Rd, OX1 4XG) | Oxford city — temporarily closed, see left |
| Drayton | Abingdon & south Oxford |
| Ardley | Bicester & Kidlington |
| Alkerton | Banbury |
| Dean Pit | Chipping Norton & west |
| Oakley Wood | Wallingford & Didcot |
| Stanford in the Vale | Faringdon & Wantage |
Household waste is free to deposit. Some non-household materials — soil, rubble, plasterboard and tyres — carry charges at the gate, so check current rates before loading them.
Tip run or collection?
Do a tip run when the load fits in a car boot and a free booked slot suits your day — it costs nothing but time. Book a collection when the load outgrows the car, needs a van permit, or Redbridge's 2026 closure adds a long detour: we load everything from £45, same-day where possible.
The maths changes when the load outgrows the car: multiple booked trips, a van you'd need a permit for, heavy carrying at both ends, and (this year) a detour to Drayton or Ardley. That's the point where a collection from us costs from £45–£70 and takes none of your Saturday — see the cost guide for like-for-like numbers, or our garden waste service if it's green waste piling up. And whatever you do, don't hand the excess to an unlicensed van on Facebook — here's why that can cost you £600.
Oxford tip FAQs
Do I need to book to go to the Oxford tip?
Yes — since 14 January 2026 every visit to Redbridge or any other Oxfordshire recycling centre must be booked in advance through the county council website. Slots open up to two weeks ahead and can be booked as late as 30 minutes before arrival if space remains. Unbooked vehicles can be refused entry.
Is Redbridge tip open right now?
Redbridge began an anticipated three-month closure for essential works around May 2026, so at the time of writing (summer 2026) it may still be shut — check the Oxfordshire County Council website for the live reopening date before travelling. Drayton, near Abingdon, is the closest alternative site for most Oxford residents, followed by Ardley.
Can I take a van to the tip in Oxford?
Only with a permit: vans, pickups and large trailers need a free permit from Oxfordshire County Council on top of the standard booking, to confirm the waste is household rather than trade. Business waste isn't accepted at any Oxfordshire recycling centre in any vehicle — commercial loads must go through a licensed carrier or transfer station.
What does the tip charge for?
Ordinary household waste is free to deposit at Oxfordshire recycling centres, but non-household materials — soil, rubble, plasterboard and tyres — carry per-item or per-bag charges at the gate. If you have several bags of rubble or plasterboard, compare the gate fees plus trips against a weight-priced collection before deciding.
Which tip should Kidlington and Abingdon residents use?
Kidlington residents are closest to Ardley (towards Bicester), while Abingdon residents should book Drayton, which sits just outside the town. Both keep the standard 8am–5pm daily hours and both require the same advance booking as every Oxfordshire site. During Redbridge's 2026 closure these two sites are also absorbing Oxford city traffic, so book earlier than usual.
Get a fixed price in minutes
Photos of the waste plus your postcode are all we need. Same-day collection is often available if you call before midday.
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