Southport Waste Recycling Centre and Formby Waste Recycling Centre are set to re-open on Monday (May 4).
But only one person will be allowed to be in each car, while vans or trade vehicles will not be allowed.
Social distancing restrictions and traffic management plans will be in place at the sites, on Foul Lane in Kew, and Altcar Road in Formby.
Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority intends to reopen Southport, Formby and other centres in the region next week, and is currently working with Council Highways Departments and the Police on their respective plans. Known to some locally as ‘Southport Tip, the site has been closed since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in March.
MRWA along with its contractor Veolia will be implementing clear operating guidelines with respect to the necessity of visits, social distancing on site and queuing. The priority at all times is the safety of residents and the hard working staff at all of their centres.
The restrictions will be:
- The number of vehicles allowed on site will be restricted, and queuing times will be significantly higher.
- Cars only
- One person per vehicle (NB. Blue Badge holders will be able to be accompanied by one family member)
- No vans, commercial-type vehicles or large trailers.
- Social distancing of at least 2 metres will be strictly enforced.
- Site Employees will not be able to assist with unloading.
- Sites will be open 8am to 8pm every day.
Refuse collectors clear 53 double decker buses worth of green waste in one day
If households have had COVID-19 symptoms then waste should be left for at least 72 hours before disposal and personal waste should be safely double bagged. Place it in your normal bin collection if you can.
Both the Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Council Mayor, Joe Anderson support the decision taken to reopen the sites.
Steve Rotheram said: “All leaders are supporting this decision. We recognise that the Waste Authority has to reopen the sites with safety as a priority, and we are urging residents to check the restrictions on the MRWA website and be prepared for very long waiting times.”
Joe Anderson said: “I commend the decision to open the sites with social distancing, we are doing this to avoid waste becoming a problem at home. Please only travel if it is essential and follow the instructions given to you by staff on site.”
For more information please check MRWA’s website www.merseysidewda.gov.uk and social media @MerseysideRWA
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