Temporary closures planned at Barnsley recycling centres for essential works 

We are carrying out a programme of planned drainage improvement works at several Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) over the coming months to help improve site safety. 

The first phase of the programme will begin at Smithies Recycling Centre, which will temporarily close from Thursday 6 August until the end of September while essential maintenance work is carried out to install a new drainage system. 

There will be a three-day transition period before the closure to prepare for the works. During this time some containers will be removed from the site. From Monday 3 August to Wednesday 5 August 2026, the site will not be able to accept the following materials: fridges, TVs, household batteries, lead-acid batteries, engine oil, cooking oil, textiles, media items, mixed glass, fluorescent tubes, ink cartridges, coffee pods, gas bottles, paint, vapes, plastics and cans. 

Further improvement works are also planned at other recycling centres across the borough later in the year and into 2027. Details of these closures will be shared with residents in advance via the website. 

Throughout the programme, residents can use alternative Household Waste Recycling Centres in Goldthorpe, Penistone and Worsbrough, as well as sites in Doncaster. Where possible, residents may also wish to store non-urgent items safely and wait until their local recycling centre reopens before making a trip.

Cllr Paul Kelly, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: “Our recycling centres play an important role in helping residents recycle and dispose of their waste responsibly. These planned drainage improvement works will help protect the environment, improve site safety and ensure our recycling centres continue to operate safely and efficiently. 

"We understand temporary closures can be inconvenient, and we're committed to giving residents as much notice as possible, alongside information about alternative facilities that are available during the works. 

"We'd like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while these essential improvements are carried out." 

Further information about upcoming works, accepted materials and recycling centre opening arrangements can be found at www.barnsley.gov.uk/hwrc.