The move was taken “to help households who vitally need extra support in managing surplus waste produced during the imposed lockdown restrictions”, and follows Defra advice to councils to reopen facilities.
The borough’s recycling centres have reopened with strict measures in place. Only single occupancy cars are permitted and users will need to observe social distancing measures. Only make the trip if it’s vital, if you can hold off until next week, that would be appreciated. pic.twitter.com/10N14s9A4N
— Wigan Council (@WiganCouncil) April 17, 2020
Rush
Residents have been warned not to rush to the centres this weekend and to abide by social distancing measures. People could be asked to leave if queues become too long.
The borough’s recycling centres based on Slag Lane, Kirkless and Chanters Industrial estate will be open from 8am-7.45pm everyday for cars and small vans only. Unloading assistance will not be provided at the sites in order to enforce social distancing measures.
Staff will be on hand to ensure social distancing measures are being adhered to, the council says.
Wigan council has also asked for waste to be double bagged in households where any occupants have have experienced symptoms of covid-19, and left for 72 hours before arriving on site.
Concerns
“We want to help those who have struggled with their waste during these tricky times”
Leader of Wigan Council, councillor David Molyneux said: “The decision to reopen the recycling centres has been taken after listening to residents’ concerns on extra waste accumulation during the lockdown period.
“We want to help those who have struggled with their waste during these tricky times so please also consider other users and our staff by following the rules laid out.
“These measures are essential to ensure we protect you, our staff, and to help deal with the expected high volume of vehicles trying to access the sites.”
The council added that the support on offer means there is “no excuse for people to illegally fly-tip”, including using street bins to get rid of their waste.
CCTV will be utilised to find anyone who is disposing of their waste illegally.
Measures
The following measures will all be in place:
- All residents visiting the site will need to observe the social distancing measures now in place
- Only one person per vehicle
- Social distancing will be enforced on the sites which means, unfortunately, that no assistance for unloading can be provided
- Only cars and small vans will be allowed. Transit-type vans will not be accepted
- No vehicle trailers or commercial vehicles of any type
- The permit system will not apply
- Traffic management will be in place at all sites and due to safety concerns queueing outside of the site will be restricted, residents may be asked to leave and return at a later time
- Residents may be asked for their postcode
- If any households have had Covid-19 symptoms then the waste should be left for 72 hours before being brought to site. Waste should be doubled bagged
- If residents have medical waste this should be placed in their black bin and the excess waste brought to site
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