'Whatever the tier, we’re still here' Wigan's recycling centres declare

The sites have been operating slightly differently during COVID to keep both staff and the public safe and these changes with some essential restrictions remaining in place so they can keep everyone distanced and safe.

“Because we are remaining open” said FCC Environment contract manager Barry Elder, “there is no need to rush down, we will be operating our usual hours during the festive season with some restrictions still in place so we can keep everyone distanced and safe. We will only be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

“One practical step residents can take for themselves though is to pre-sort their recyclables and waste as they are loading the vehicles and this will make it easier for us to get you in and out of site quickly which we hope will in turn reduce queues.”

Following the Government’s COVID-19 guidance, these initiatives include:

- Proof of residency with photo ID is required to be presented upon arrival – ideally this should be a valid UK photocard driving license.

- Single occupant vehicles only – providing reasonable limits on the number of persons outside of their vehicle to unload in the main unloading areas that are often busy. This allows centres to manage social distancing and all residents visiting the site are encouraged to observe the necessary measures now in place.

- Temporary hold on assisting visiting members of the public with unloading materials from their vehicles.

- Suspending bag-splitting which is usually carried out to maximize recycling.

- Cars and vans will be allowed. All van shaped vehicles, pick-ups, minibuses and campervans require a permit, no vehicle trailers or commercial vehicles of any type.

- 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.

- Wearing of face covers on-site is recommended to protect residents and staff.

- Any asbestos deliveries must be booked in advance and can only be deposited at the Kirkless Recycling Centre on Saturdays with an appointed timeslot issued.

The sites at Kirkless, Makerfield Way, Higher Ince, WN2 2PR, Slag Lane, Leigh, WA3 1BZ and Chanters Industrial Estate, Atherton, M46 9FF will be open each day from 9am – 17:45pm but no assistance for unloading will be provided due to social distancing.

The support on offer means there is no excuse for people to illegally fly-tip, this includes using street bins to get rid of their waste.

CCTV will be utilised to find anyone who is disposing of waste their waste illegally and fly-tipping incidents can be reported via the council’s Report It app.

“There has been an increasing need for domestic recycling of essential items and it’s important that the necessary services are in place, but they must be safe for everyone – and that includes both essential keyworker staff operating the site and members of the public using the facilities so we must remind residents that normal lockdown protocols and social distancing practices apply,” concluded Barry.

About 107,000 people in the waste and resource management industry have been identified by the Government as key workers, among them are 18 people operating the Wigan HRCs on behalf of Wigan Council.

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