Sandbags during a flood

We do not provide sandbags to residents and businesses during a flood.

You can make your own barriers to help stop flood water coming into your home or business.

We must prioritise our limited stock of sandbags for:

  • working with emergency services
  • keeping priority roads open
  • protecting services such as hospitals, care homes and schools
  • supporting recognised flood groups

If you live in a flood risk area, find out how to prepare for flooding.

If you would like more information on becoming a recognised flood group please contact FRM@Leeds.gov.uk.

Getting sandbags

You can buy sandbags from your local DIY store or builders merchants. 

Make your own flood barrier

It is your responsibility to make sure your home or business is protected from flood water.

Homemade barriers can be made and material is cheap to buy from your local DIY stores or builders merchants. You can make barriers with:

  • rubble bags filled with water and tied at the top
  • bags filled with a gel which swells up to help form a water tight seal

Disposing of used sandbags 

It is your responsibility to dispose of any used sandbags.

Sandbags that have not come into contact with flood water

If your sandbag has not come into contact with any flood water, you can:           

  • store this in a dry place so it can be used again
  • split the bag open and spread the sand in your garden, placing the empty bag in your general waste bin
  • take the the bag to your nearest recycling centre

Do not place full sandbags in your general waste bin. Find more information on what you put in your general waste bin.

Sandbags that have come into contact with flood water

If your sandbag has come into contact with flood water you will need to wrap this in 2 bags and take it to your nearest recycling centre.              

You should always:             

  • wear gloves and wash hands after handling used sandbags
  • lift sandbags using safe techniques to avoid causing injury

Do not place used sandbags in your general waste bin as they could be contaminated by flood water.                         

                         

Further help and advice

You can get more information on how to protect your home or business on the National Flood Forum.

You can also check if a flood warning has been issued on GOV.UK.