Middlewich tip to reopen on May 11 on a 'one in, one out' basis

Cheshire East Council has confirmed all of its household waste recycling centres will open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5pm.

All users of the sites will need to observe social distancing measures – meaning site staff will not be able to assist anyone.

And the council is aiming to keep on top of the numbers using the tip by allowing only visitors with an odd or even car registration plate number on alternate days.

Cllr Laura Crane, cabinet member for waste, said: “I would like to thank residents for their patience over recent weeks whilst our household waste recycling centres have been closed.

"When the sites reopen, restrictions will be in place and it is very likely that queues will be much longer than usual. So, I ask everyone please to bear with us so we can ensure the safety of all site users and our staff."

Residents are urged to only travel to a site where the journey is essential and where the waste or recycling cannot be safely stored at home until a later date.

Access will be permitted for cars only, with no more than two people in the car and children only allowed if they cannot stay at home, but they must remain in the car.

Pedestrians must not access the site, and a traffic management system will be in place, meaning residents may be asked to leave the queue and return later.

Cllr Crane said: "I would urge everyone to think about how essential it is to travel to a site and to be aware that sites will be open seven days a week, so there is no need to rush to visit one immediately when they reopen. It will be best to wait until the likely high demand has decreased.

“If you really can’t wait, please be prepared for a delay, listen to the directions from staff and ensure you take note of the signage."

The number plate system means drivers with an odd plate – such as 67 or 19 – can access the site on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for the first week of reopening, from May 11.

Drivers with even plates – such as 14 or 68 – will be given access on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week.

The weeks will alternate from the second week of opening onwards, and residents can check if it is their turn by clicking here.

Residents may be asked for proof of address to prevent non-Cheshire East residents using the tip.

Once on site, all cars must be parked at least two metres away from the next one, and social distancing must be maintained.

Access to the sites will be removed for people using abusive language or intimidating behaviour towards site staff or other people.

Waste from households containing people who have Covid-19 symptoms should be double bagged and left for 72 hours before being brought to site.

Cllr Crane added: "Unfortunately, due to the additional volumes of waste and recycling that is accumulating due to the lockdown situation and reduced capacity with our contractors, some of the waste brought to the sites will have to go to landfill.

“This is something we want to avoid as it goes against our environmental policy but, unfortunately, we have no other option at the moment.

"Therefore, we would be grateful if additional waste and recycling could be kept safely at home until we are out of this temporary situation. This would benefit the environment in the longer term."

Normal collections for household waste, garden and food waste are continuing throughout the pandemic.