Tips will reopen this weekend but with restrictions, including a traffic control system based on number plates

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The Household Waste Recycling Centre on Spring Vale, Middleton

The household recycling centres in Rochdale borough will reopen on Saturday 2 May but with a number of restrictions, including a traffic control system based on odd and even number plates.

• Residents should only visit if it's essential to prevent injury, illness or harm or if you have a problem with storing too much waste or other hazardous waste at home. You may be requested for proof of address.
• Only bagged general waste will be accepted. The waste and recycling centres will not accept any type of recycling or garden waste.
• Residents can only visit on certain days depending on whether your vehicle registration ends with an odd or even number.
• Residents may be asked to return home if queues are too long.
• Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must not visit.
• Cars and small vans only, no transit type vehicles or trailers. Vehicles should be driver only.
• Social distancing at 2 metres will be strictly enforced and operatives cannot assist. The number of vehicles on-site will also be restricted.
• Limited opening hours are in place, with no walk-ons.
• The centres will only be kept open with the cooperation of residents. Any excessive queues, abuse to staff or disregard of the new ruling may force closure.  

Check the dates that vehicle number plates ending with odd numbers – one, three, five, seven and nine – and number plates ending with even numbers – zero, two, four, six and eight – will be allowed entry to the tips on the Recycle for Greater Manchester site (also guidance here for personalised number plates):

• recycleforgreatermanchester.com/recycling-centres-tips-opening-times/

The recycling centre on Chichester Street in Rochdale is only open on Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 6pm.

The recycling centre on Spring Vale in Middleton is open Monday to Sunday 8am to 6pm.

In order to control the number of vehicles accessing the centres at any one time, a traffic control system will be introduced based on odd and even number plates.

It will work on a four-week rota to limit the amount of traffic visiting the centres and limit the potential for staff and the public to be exposed to the virus.

Doorstep collections for general waste continue as normal throughout the borough, and people are advised to visit the household recycling centres only if absolutely necessary.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, said: “I want to thank the people of Greater Manchester for their patience while these facilities have been closed. At every stage of this process we’ve taken decisions based on the official guidance, which has been about limiting non-essential journeys and reinforcing the Stay At Home message.

“Now that the Government guidance has been updated, we have taken a collective decision to reopen some of our centres. There will be localised traffic management in place to control queuing, with each council taking steps to ensure that centres can reopen and operate safely.

“While we are reopening centres, this is not a return to normal. We would ask the public to limit their journeys and only travel to a household waste and recycling centre if it is absolutely essential to do so. If the situation becomes unmanageable we may have to reassess this decision, but that is not something we want to do and, I hope, will not become necessary. Let’s everyone stay safe and look after each other at this difficult time.”

Mari Eccles, Local Democracy Reporter