Tip rules eased for first time in 12 months
VISITORS to Burscough and Skelmersdale’s recycling and waste centres can now take more than one type of rubbish for the first time since before the first lockdown.
As of Monday (March 29), a restriction which meant only type of waste could be lifted but residents are still be urged to only make a trip to the tip if essential.
The change was introduced last year as a means to ensure social distancing and reduce the spread of Coronavirus by preventing residents mixing with each other during their trip.
A decision has now been made to relax the rule, as restrictions across Lancashire and the rest of the country ease in line with the government’s roadmap.
Lancashire County Council says the move will help free up staff and increase capacity, therefore reducing waiting times during busy periods.
Some restrictions still remain in place, such as staff being unable to assist with carrying waste and people not being allowed to attend if they have symptoms of coronavirus.
From Monday, 12 April, residents will be able to dispose of construction and demolition waste, also known as inert waste, such as plaster, plasterboard or asbestos.
Demand for tips is expected to be high over the Easter period and county council bosses are asking people to only visit if essential and to hold off attending if possible.
County Councillor Albert Atkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for waste management, said: “As we begin to ease many of the restitutions that have been put in place during the pandemic to keep people safe, we must also remember that Covid still poses a significant risk.
“The removal of the one waste type rule is part of a wider plan to ease restrictions at our recycling centres and should help ease waiting times and improve the flow of visitors.
“But we must remember that the pandemic is by no means over and must try to limit our visits unless absolutely necessary.
“This is particularly important as we head into the Easter period, which is traditionally very busy.
“We’re therefore asking people to make best use of their usual household waste collections, and if they still have extra waste which they want to bring to a recycling centre, to delay their visit if they can.
“If you do need to visit a recycling centre, please make sure you check the county council’s website before you visit to check opening times and to remind yourselves on the current restrictions.
“Please also be respectful to our staff, who have been working hard to support the public during these difficult times.”