Wigan's tips to re-open with immediate effect

The decision - after several weeks of tip shutdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic - is made with immediate effect although there will be restrictions.

Wigan was the last of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs to close its four sites as it has a separate recycling contract from the others in the city region, and now it is the first to take the initiative amid growing pressure from local government organisations to do so nationally.

The authority said today that the move has been made to help households who vitally need extra support in managing surplus waste produced during the imposed lockdown restrictions.

The health of residents remains the council’s priority so everyone visiting the site must ensure they are observing social distancing measures on arrival.

All recycling centres will be staying open albeit initially with some temporary restrictions, with this in mind, there is no need to immediately rush to the sites, if residents can hold off until after the weekend this will help reduce the expected queuing times.

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 are urged to note that only single occupancy vehicles will be allowed entry, any commercial vehicles of any type or vehicle trailers will be refused.

Normal waste collection rounds will continue and crews will still take side waste left during the normal black bin collection only.

Leader of Wigan Council 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.”

Staff will be on hand to ensure that social distancing guidelines are adhered to, therefore we urge all residents arriving to please be patient.

The sites will be open each day from 8am to 7.45pm but no assistance for unloading will be provided due to social distancing.

People using the recycling centre in Slag Lane are being encouraged to approach from the Lowton side as there is a queuing lane in operation.

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.

A reminder to residents on the rules in place when visiting the centres:

All residents visiting the site will need to observe the social distancing measures now in place

Single occupancy vehicles only

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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