Cheshire West and Chester Council’s household waste recycling centres to close

Cheshire West and Chester Council and its partners HM Martins have today (Friday) taken the decision to close all household waste recycling centres in the borough until further notice.

Operations in west Cheshire have been managed well until now to ensure staff and customer safety and safe distancing in line with Government guidelines. 

Due to the need for staff to support elsewhere, and limits in our ability to manage waste through our contractors, the decision has been taken to close all centres this evening.

Residents are asked to keep bulky items, DIY waste and other waste they usually take to the recycling centre stored safely at home until the sites re open. Residents are asked not to put items out with the kerbside collections as they will not be collected.

Dropping items outside a closed HWRC or in any public space will be classed as fly tipping.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore, said: “We’ve kept our Household Waste Recycling Centres open for as long as possible. Due to the need for staff to maintain vital services and limits in our ability to manage the waste we receive through contractors the decision has now been made to close all centres with immediate effect.

“This has not been an easy decision to take and we’re aware of the impact on some residents. As a Council we have to focus our attention and resources on essential services during this unprecedented period.

“We’re asking all residents to bear with us and support us during this time as we make difficult decisions. Please keep your bulky waste stored safely at home until the sites reopen.

“We all have a part to play and it’s important we work together to minimise the spread of the virus. Please follow Government advice on how to keep yourselves safe and well.

“The waste service is currently under pressure due to staff shortages. Kerbside collections of dry mixed recycling and waste on scheduled days of collection will continue although this service may also change in the coming weeks if necessary. 

“Please be assured that we will do everything we can to ensure you continue to receive these essential services in a timely manner.”

 The Council is also sharing the latest Government information for households with symptoms of Coronavirus which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

Residents can keep up to date with any changes to waste collection services by visiting https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus.aspx

Stay at home.